A Season That Redefines Momentum
Tyler Reddick’s name now appears on the shortlist for the 2026 ESPYS Best Driver Award, a recognition that follows a start to the season few could have imagined just months ago.
The 23XI Racing driver has captured three consecutive victories to open the campaign, a feat that not only propelled him to the top of the points standings but also placed him in the company of legends.
His performance echoes Dale Earnhardt’s 1987 run, when the late Hall of Famer also won five of the first nine races, a benchmark that has long stood as a measure of early‑season dominance in NASCAR.
Reddick is not alone on the nominee list; Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris and Alex Palou join him, each bringing a distinct narrative that reflects the growing global reach of the sport.
The award ceremony will be held on July 15 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, where Marcello Hernández will take the stage as host. The event will be televised on ABC and streamed via the ESPN App, ensuring a wide audience for the celebration.
If Reddick were to win, he would become the first NASCAR driver to claim the ESPYS Best Driver Award since Kyle Larson’s triumph in 2022, a milestone that would underscore the increasing visibility of stock car racing on a global stage.
The accolade has a storied history, with Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon each securing four awards, a testament to the award’s prestige and the caliber of drivers who have been honored.