Everyone loves a good throwback! Whether it’s dusting off an old Diecast model or rediscovering a long-forgotten photo, nostalgia has a way of bringing both joy and a mix of emotions. For 23XI Racing, they’re experiencing this wave of nostalgia with a big smile after Tyler Reddick secured their first major trophy – the 2024 regular-season championship. The victory came with extra weight as it unfolded in front of 23XI’s co-owners, NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
What’s remarkable is that less than five years ago, 23XI Racing was merely a rumor in the racing world. Now, the team stands tall, gearing up for the playoffs with high hopes. But before the adrenaline of competition kicks in, the team’s social media crew pulled off a hilarious Throwback Thursday stunt that left NASCAR fans in stitches. Featuring a young, long-haired Tyler Reddick in an Iron Maiden tee and a buzz-cut Bubba Wallace sporting bold shades, the 23XI drivers couldn’t help but laugh – or blush – at this lighthearted trip down memory lane.
Reddick and Wallace Revisit Pre-23XI Days
While 23XI Racing may be in high spirits on the social media front, things are a bit tense behind the scenes. Tyler Reddick has delivered stellar performances, but his teammate, Bubba Wallace, didn’t make the cut for the Round of 16, leaving him out of the race for the championship. To add to the tension, 23XI Racing finds itself in a standoff with NASCAR over a recent charter deal. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s ownership group refused to sign the updated agreement, and if no resolution is reached soon, 23XI Racing might not even make it to the grid next season. The potential fallout could be catastrophic – not just for drivers like Reddick and Wallace, but also for the hundreds of team members whose livelihoods depend on the team’s continued success.
Despite this cloud of uncertainty, both Reddick and Wallace remain focused as they prepare for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen. Though the team has yet to claim victory at The Glen, their two wins and Reddick’s regular-season championship in 2024 are proof that 23XI Racing is not to be underestimated. With Tyler Reddick behind the wheel of the #45 car, the team’s ambitions for success remain alive and well. To keep morale high amid the pressure, 23XI’s social media team decided to inject some humor into the situation by organizing a fun event where both drivers autographed old photos of themselves – a throwback that offered a welcome break from the mounting stakes.
Bubba Wallace Kicks Off the Nostalgia
Bubba Wallace got the nostalgia event rolling with a trip down memory lane. The first throwback image featured a young Wallace during his early days in NASCAR. Looking at the picture, Wallace paused for a moment before recalling, “This was production day for 2011. Rev Racing, I think.” The next photo showcased Wallace rocking a pair of trendy wayfarer sunglasses, a look he couldn’t help but laugh at. “I know which one this is. That’s before lip injections were a thing…” Wallace quipped, embracing the fun and rolling with the punches.
But while Wallace took the trip down memory lane with ease, Reddick had a bit more trouble. The regular-season champion seemed visibly flustered as he confronted his past self. At first, Reddick refused to even look at the photos, but after flipping over the first one, his embarrassment was clear. He crumpled the photograph into a ball and jokingly tossed it at the 23XI media crew, showing his playful frustration. Fans of NASCAR will recall that in his early days, Reddick sported a thick mane of golden hair that flowed down past his shoulders, a look that evoked the essence of an ‘80s rockstar during his ARCA racing days.
Fans React to the Throwback Fun
Although Reddick may not have been thrilled to relive his long-haired past, NASCAR fans were buzzing with excitement when 23XI Racing shared the hilarious throwback video on Instagram. From the moment it went live, thousands of fans flocked to the post, leaving comments and interacting with the content. One fan appreciated the nostalgic humor, writing, “Anytime anyone’s egos get too big, there’s ALWAYS the old promo or childhood photos to bring it back down. That goes for ALL of us.” Another fan related to Reddick’s embarrassment and commented, “Y’all did Reddick dirty lol.”
Some fans, however, took a trip down memory lane of their own. One Instagram user, @micahjamyson, shared a personal memory with Reddick, commenting, “I remember getting to cut your hair off @tyler_reddick …. Can’t believe that was over 10 years ago!” This comment sparked even more interaction, as fans chimed in with their own memories of Reddick’s early days. One fan reminisced about the long-haired Reddick driving a late model, while others couldn’t help but comment on his Iron Maiden T-shirt, a look that had clearly made an impression.
Overall, the throwback stunt was a light-hearted, fun way to engage fans and lift the team’s spirits, proving that even in the high-pressure world of NASCAR, a little nostalgia goes a long way in keeping things fun and relatable.
