Tyler Reddick Fights Back After Costly Error

Tyler Reddick's bid for another 2026 win in San Diego ended in disaster after a costly error. He battled Corey Heim for the lead but slipped exiting Turn 2, allowing Heim to take the lead.

What happened?

Reddick attempted to pass Heim back but collided with his Toyota, forcing the No. 67 into the wall. Heim held on, but Reddick suffered a flat left-front tire, dropping him to 25th.

Denny Hamlin's defense

Denny Hamlin publicly defended Tyler Reddick's character after the incident, saying Reddick wanted to "hit the reset button" and try again. Hamlin praised Reddick for showing sportsmanship in a tough moment.

Reddick admitted to overdoing the move and apologized to Heim. Heim credited Reddick for giving him space after the incident, calling him a "great teammate".

The impact on Reddick's season

The mistake cost Reddick crucial points, trimming his lead in the driver standings. After the May 10 race at Watkins Glen International, Reddick was 129 points ahead of the second-place holder.

Reddick's Coronado finish has further reduced his advantage, leaving him frustrated. "We're going down the wrong path right now, and we need to stop it," Reddick said.

What comes next?

Reddick will look to bounce back from the disappointment and regain his momentum in the season. With five wins in 2026, Reddick remains a top contender, but he needs to find consistency to stay ahead.

Reddick's sportsmanship in the face of adversity has earned him praise from his peers. As he moves forward, he will focus on getting back to winning ways and maintaining his lead in the standings.

The incident in San Diego may have been a setback, but Reddick's character and determination will be key in his pursuit of success. With Denny Hamlin's support, Reddick will look to put the mistake behind him and focus on the next challenge.