The NASCAR Cup Series 2026 delivered high drama at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2026, as Tyler Reddick secured a thrilling win in the Amaco 400. Driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick made a decisive move on the final lap to overtake hometown favorite Chase Elliott and cross the finish line first.
The victory marks Reddick’s first win of the 2026 season and the fourth Cup Series win of his career. It was also another big moment for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, which continues to establish itself as a strong contender in the series.
Race Summary: Last-Lap Drama Decides the Winner
The 260-lap race on the 1.54-mile Atlanta oval remained competitive throughout, but the real action came in the closing moments. Elliott tried to defend his position on the final lap, but Reddick carried strong momentum on the outside line and completed a clean pass before the checkered flag.
TWO WEEKENDS IN A ROW FOR TYLER REDDICK, MICHAEL JORDAN AND 23XI RACING! pic.twitter.com/873TX7LKfQ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
The margin of victory was just over three-tenths of a second, highlighting how close the battle was at the finish.
Daytona 500 ✅
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
Atlanta ✅
Michael Jordan talks with @JamieLittleTV after Tyler Reddick's incredible drive to win in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/UaipmQG3vn
The race lasted a little over three hours and featured multiple cautions, including a major multi-car crash midway through the event.
Atlanta Race 2026 – Top 10 Finishers
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing |
| 2 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 3 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | JTG Daugherty Racing |
| 4 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 5 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing |
| 6 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 7 | Joey Logano | Team Penske |
| 8 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing |
| 9 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 10 | Martin Truex Jr. | Joe Gibbs Racing |
Stage Winners and Key Moments
| Stage | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Christopher Bell |
| Stage 2 | Tyler Reddick |
One of the biggest incidents occurred around lap 145 when a multi-car crash, often called the “Big One,” involved several drivers and brought out a lengthy caution period. Despite the chaos, the race ended with a clean and intense finish between the front-runners.
Christopher Bell started the race from pole position and showed strong pace early, while Reddick’s consistency in the second half helped him position himself for the final-lap move.
Also see: Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 2026
Points Impact After Atlanta
The win significantly boosts Reddick’s early-season position, moving him into a strong playoff outlook and into the top group in the standings race.
Chase Elliott continues to remain among the top contenders in the regular-season points, while drivers like Christopher Bell and Joey Logano also hold strong positions after consistent performances.
Winner’s Reaction
After the race, Reddick praised his team and the car’s speed, calling the final-lap battle one of the toughest moments of the race. He credited the crew for giving him a fast car capable of making the winning move when it mattered most.
Determination > Handling
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
Tyler Reddick takes 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan back to Victory Lane for the second week in a row. pic.twitter.com/63qoxVMnyM
The NASCAR Cup Series now moves to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the next race is scheduled for March 2, 2026. With momentum on his side, Reddick will be looking to build on this breakthrough win.
The Atlanta race was a statement performance from Tyler Reddick and a reminder of how competitive the 2026 season is shaping up to be. With last-lap drama, a close finish, and playoff implications already taking shape, the Cup Series continues to deliver excitement early in the year.
If this performance is any indication, 23XI Racing and Reddick could be serious championship contenders this season.
