Michael Jordan & Co. Clinches Front Row as Chase Elliott Pulls the Unthinkable at Austin that sparks Reaction
March 2025 marks a significant chapter in the saga of 23XI Racing. What was once a team grappling with uncertainty due to legal battles just three months ago, now stands as one of the most promising teams in NASCAR. Their dominance at the 2025 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, where they nearly swept the top three qualifying spots at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), is a clear testament to their resilience and ambition.
Tyler Reddick Leads the Way: A Familiar Face at COTA
Tyler Reddick, the 2023 COTA winner, arrived in Austin with a clear goal in mind—to defend his title. With a deep understanding of the track, Reddick wasted no time in showcasing his skill. He posted a blistering lap time of 1:38.08, securing the pole position for the race. This pole marked his second at COTA, further cementing his reputation as a road-course ace.
Reddick’s confidence in his abilities was evident after the session. While he acknowledged the competitiveness of his teammate, Bubba Wallace, he expressed concern that he may have impacted Wallace’s lap time. “I was worried I screwed Bubba’s lap up,” Reddick admitted. Despite these worries, he was relieved that the qualifying session went as smoothly as it did, offering him a prime starting position for the race.
Bubba Wallace’s Remarkable Rise
Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate, proved that 23XI Racing has not just one, but two rising stars in its ranks. Wallace’s qualifying performance was nothing short of spectacular. With a lap time of 1:38.3, Wallace secured second place on the grid, marking a significant improvement from his previous performances at COTA. In 2022, Wallace started P23; in 2023, he started P11; in 2024, it was P10. Now, in 2025, he
The team’s one-two finish in qualifying was historic for the organization, marking their first-ever such performance. It was a moment that fans and team members alike will remember for years to come.
A Near Sweep and Riley Herbst’s Disappointment
As if securing the top two positions wasn’t enough, 23XI Racing nearly swept the entire top three. Riley Herbst, who has steadily been improving in his NASCAR career, posted the third-fastest time in qualifying, but his performance was short-lived. After track limit violations, officials disqualified his lap, relegating him to a 31st-place starting position. His misfortune allowed Chase Elliott to capitalize, and Elliott finished qualifying in P3 with a time of 1:38.36, securing a spot in the second row.
Chase Elliott: A Road Course Specialist
Chase Elliott’s performance in qualifying was one of the most impressive of the session. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion faced challenges during practice due to tire degradation on COTA’s newly surfaced track. In qualifying, Elliott initially struggled but managed to pull off a stunning last-minute lap to secure the third spot. His resilience highlighted his mastery of road courses. Elliott, who won the inaugural COTA race in 2021, reminded everyone why he is a perennial contender on these types of tracks.
In 2021, Elliott triumphed in a rain-shortened race at COTA, claiming victory in a race marked by visibility issues and difficult conditions. That win also marked Chevrolet’s 800th NASCAR Cup Series victory. With Sunday’s race on the horizon, Elliott would be looking to add another road-course win to his impressive career.
The Fast-Rising Star: Connor Zilisch
Among the many intriguing stories from COTA was that of 18-year-old Connor Zilisch. Making his Cup Series debut with the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet, Zilisch showcased his immense talent by qualifying 14th. Despite narrowly missing out on a pole position in his debut, Zilisch’s performance made a significant statement in NASCAR. His goal of becoming the youngest Cup Series winner is within reach, with a victory at COTA potentially breaking the current record set by Joey Logano, who won at age 19.
Zilisch has been on a fast track to stardom. He began racing go-karts at just five years old, later making waves in the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His 2024 Xfinity Series debut, which saw him win at Watkins Glen, solidified his potential. Zilisch’s talents have also extended to sports car racing, with victories at prestigious events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Twelve Hours of Sebring. With his ability to adapt to various forms of racing, Zilisch’s future in NASCAR looks incredibly bright.
Top 10 Qualifying Results for COTA:
1. **Tyler Reddick – 1:38.08
2. **Bubba Wallace – 1:38.3
3. **Chase Elliott – 1:38.36
4. **Carson Hocevar – 1:38.45
5. **Daniel Suarez – 1:38.48
6. **Shane van Gisbergen – 1:38.52
7. **Kyle Larson- 1:38.58
8. **Kyle Busch – 1:38.59
9. **Ross Chastain – 1:38.7
10. **Todd Gilliland – 1:38.72
As the race day approaches, it’s clear that 23XI Racing is on the rise. With Reddick leading the charge, Wallace’s continued progress, and the excitement surrounding young drivers like Zilisch, the future looks incredibly bright for Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team. While Sunday’s race may not yet determine a champion, it’s already shaping up to be a significant moment in NASCAR history—one that speaks to the strength, resilience, and promise of 23XI Racing.
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