Denny Hamlin found himself ensnared in a multi-car collision during the race, which drastically altered the trajectory of the event. The incident unfolded on lap 156 and involved Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, and Denny Hamlin himself. As cars spun out and collided, it became evident that Hamlin’s race day had taken a significant downturn. Suddenly, Tyler Reddick’s car made contact with Denny Hamlin’s #11 Toyota, causing both to spin around each other.
🏁 @23XIRacing owner & @JoeGibbsRacing driver @dennyhamlin discusses @TylerReddick's victory @TALLADEGA.
"Our misfortune was actually their fortune."
🎧: https://t.co/OqG2Bgu0gw pic.twitter.com/TGtFCRJHIM
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) April 22, 2024
Following the race, Denny Hamlin shared his perspective on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, discussing the incident involving Tyler Reddick and the strategic decisions that propelled Reddick to victory lane. Hamlin acknowledged the unfortunate turn of events for his team, stating, “Our misfortune was actually their fortune.” This acknowledgment encapsulated the unpredictable nature of racing, where one driver’s misfortune can sometimes lead to another driver’s success.
Denny Hamlin Driver’s Unexpected Opportunity
While Hamlin’s misfortune unfolded, Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, remained unscathed. Reddick skillfully avoided the chaos and cycled to the front during the ensuing restart. As the race leader, Michael McDowell, attempted to block Brad Keselowski, disaster struck. McDowell hit the wall on the front straightaway, allowing Reddick to slingshot into the lead. The unexpected turn of events propelled Reddick to victory, marking a memorable moment for both him and team co-owner Michael Jordan.
For Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Hamlin, the Talladega victory was a significant moment. It marked the first time he had been at the track to witness one of his drivers take the checkered flag. Reddick’s buzzer-beater win was a testament to his skill and the team’s strategy, turning what could have been a disastrous day into a celebration.
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