Tyler Reddick crashes out as new 2026 NASCAR winner emerges at Chicagoland

Tyler Reddick’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign hit a brutal bump at Chicagoland Speedway on 18 June, when the 2023 series runner-up tumbled out of contention with a late crash.

What happened at Chicagoland?

Reddick, driving the No. 45 Chevrolet for 23XI Racing, was running inside the top five late in the 200-lap race when contact sent him spinning into the Turn 3 wall. The incident erased a solid run and dropped him to 24th at the finish: a costly result in a tight championship chase.

Why it matters for Tyler Reddick

The crash cost Reddick track position and stage points, two currencies that decide playoff spots. With Toyota-powered teams dominating the top 10, Reddick’s misfortune handed the first 2026 win to a rival manufacturer. His 24th-place finish leaves him 108 points adrift of the points lead after 14 races.

Toyota’s strong day overshadows Reddick’s tumble

While Reddick crashed, three Toyota drivers finished 1-2-3, including the race winner. The manufacturer flexed its muscle on the 1.5-mile tri-oval, underlining a shift in power that could shape the rest of 2026. Reddick’s team now faces extra work to rebound before the July 4 race at Atlanta.

What comes next for Reddick?

23XI Racing rolls into Atlanta Motor Speedway on 2 July with a short turnaround. Reddick needs a clean run to salvage momentum after Chicagoland’s heartbreak. The next three races carry double points, so every position counts.