In the qualifying for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing secured pole position, followed by teammate Bubba Wallace in second. Chase Elliott, also a prominent contender, finished third. This event showcased impressive performances across the board and highlighted the potential of young driver Connor Zilisch, who achieved 14th place in his debut, striving for a historic win.
23XI Racing has much to celebrate as Tyler Reddick secured pole position at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, by clocking a lap time of 1:38.08. Reddick’s dominance on road courses is evident, marking his second pole at COTA. His teammate, Bubba Wallace, displayed significant improvement by qualifying P2 with a time of 1:38.3 — a remarkable leap from his past performances on the track.
During the qualifying session, Reddick expressed concerns over Wallace’s performance, stating, “I was worried I screwed Bubba’s lap up. All in all, I think today threw us for a loop.” This one-two finish was a first for 23XI Racing and highlighted their readiness for the race ahead.
Notably, Riley Herbst, who initially qualified third, was disqualified due to track limit violations, leading to Chase Elliott taking the spot instead, finishing his lap in 1:38.36. Elliott’s position on the grid serves as a reminder of his previous success at COTA, where he won the inaugural race in 2021, enthusing about his enduring competitiveness on road courses.
Additionally, 2025 qualifying saw Carson Hocevar and Daniel Suárez finish fourth and fifth, respectively, reflecting a strong display among competitors. Impressive strides were also made by 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, who nabbed 14th place in his Cup Series debut, aspiring to become the youngest winner in NASCAR history.
Zilisch, who has a history of excellence in various racing circuits, hopes to break the record currently held by Joey Logano. His track record includes success in go-karting at a young age and victories in both the ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series, establishing him as a rising star.
The qualifying at COTA highlighted strong performances from 23XI Racing, showcasing Tyler Reddick’s dominance as he clinched pole position with Bubba Wallace closely behind. The emergence of Chase Elliott and promising newcomer Connor Zilisch adds further excitement for the upcoming race, making it a thrilling prospect for fans and competitors alike. As automotive racing continues to evolve, the talents exhibited during this session promise an intriguing race day.
Original Source: www.essentiallysports.com
