- Tyler Reddick likely secured a playoff spot for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing with his win at COTA.
- Former 23XI driver Kurt Busch, who was replaced by Reddick, was calling the race for Fox.
Kurt Busch may be retired from full-time racing, but it was clear on Sunday that his heart is still very much a part of the 23XI Racing family.
Tyler Reddick won Sunday's race at COTA in Austin, his first since joining Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing as a replacement for Busch's No. 45 car in the team's third season.
Busch, who was forced to retire from full-time racing because of the lingering effects of a concussion he sustained in a wreck last season, was working the race as an analyst for Fox. He is also still under contract with 23XI Racing and helps as an advisor.
In overtime, as Reddick pulled away from the competition and appeared to be headed to victory lane, Busch got choked up watching it unfold.
"It's amazing, 23XI Racing and how fast we're growing and how much we are doing together," Busch said during the broadcast as his voice started to crack. "It's forward together on this program. Brings me a little bit to, uh, choked up. I was hoping to be back in that car, but it's in good hands, and it's a great team. I love racing with those guys."
You can hear the emotional moment here:
—NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) March 26, 2023
The win likely secured 23XI Racing their first playoff spot. The team qualified for the playoffs last season with Busch but withdrew when it became clear he would not be able to compete.