As NASCAR’s best prepare to tackle the legendary Bowman Gray Stadium, Tyler Reddick is putting his faith in the shortest way around the track—the bottom groove. With practice set for 6 PM ET on FS1, the 23XI Racing driver has a clear goal: fine-tune his approach to the notoriously tight quarter-mile bullring.
Why Reddick Trusts the Bottom Line
Bowman Gray, often called “The Madhouse,” is known for its intense bumper-to-bumper racing and limited passing opportunities. While some drivers might test the outside lane, Reddick believes the key to success will be hugging the inside wall.
“In a place like this, track position is everything,” Reddick said. “You’ve got to be able to hold the bottom, because if you slip up, someone’s going to fill that gap immediately.”
The bottom groove not only offers the shortest path around the track, but it also allows drivers to defend their position, making it crucial for race-day survival.
What Reddick Hopes to Learn in Practice
With limited on-track time before the main event, tonight’s practice session will be crucial for Reddick and his team. His focus will be on:
• Dialing in rear grip – Ensuring the car stays planted while exiting the tight turns.
• Managing braking points – Avoiding wheel lock-up while still being aggressive.
• Traffic management – Learning how to navigate the inevitable bumper-to-bumper chaos.
“Getting into a rhythm will be key,” Reddick added. “You don’t want to overdrive the car early and burn up the tires. It’s all about being smooth and smart.”
Looking Ahead to Race Night
With Bowman Gray’s reputation for heated tempers and close-quarters racing, Reddick knows he’ll have to be both aggressive and patient. Whether his strategy pays off will become clear once practice gets underway tonight at 6 PM ET on FS1—and when the green flag drops for the main event.
