Here’s a bold statement: the NASCAR ‘Big Three’ might soon need to make room for a fourth powerhouse. And this is the part most people miss—23XI Racing isn’t just knocking on the door; they’re kicking it down with a string of jaw-dropping performances that demand attention.
For decades, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske have reigned supreme in NASCAR, dominating tracks and championships alike. But 23XI Racing, led by drivers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, is rewriting the script. Reddick’s unprecedented start to the 2026 season—winning the first three races—has sparked a fiery debate: should we be talking about a ‘Big Four’ instead? But here’s where it gets controversial—while some argue that 23XI hasn’t yet matched the legacy of the Big Three, others insist their rapid rise and recent achievements are impossible to ignore.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic is among those impressed. On The Teardown, he shared his perspective after discussing the topic with Denny Hamlin. Hamlin, while cautious, acknowledged that 23XI’s success isn’t a fluke. Bianchi pointed out that the team’s accomplishments—from Wallace’s Brickyard 400 win to Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory and road course dominance—aren’t just lucky breaks. They’re the result of consistent growth and strategic excellence. ‘This team is doing something special,’ Bianchi noted, adding that while they might not yet be on par with Hendrick or Gibbs, they’re closing the gap faster than anyone expected.
Consider this: 23XI Racing entered NASCAR in 2021 and, just three years later, secured a regular season championship with Reddick. Even in 2025, when Reddick didn’t win a race, Wallace stepped up to claim the Brickyard 400—a Crown Jewel Race. Fast forward to 2026, and Reddick’s back-to-back-to-back wins at Atlanta, Daytona, and COTA have solidified their position as the team to beat. With Reddick and Wallace currently leading the points standings, the question isn’t if they belong in the conversation—it’s how soon they’ll be crowned among the elite.
Here’s the real question for you: Is 23XI Racing ready to join the ranks of NASCAR’s Big Three, or do they still have more to prove? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
