Why Tyler Reddick's clutch performance at Miami comes at the perfect time

While Reddick was being interviewed after his clutch last-lap performance, Jordan's excitement was palpable as he congratulated his driver.

Reddick was among the contenders all day long, winning the first stage of the race for the third week in a row. While it appeared Blaney or Kyle Larson might punch their ticket to the championship race, Larson spun in Turn 3 to bring out the race's final caution.

To gain track position during the final stage, Reddick's crew chief, Billy Scott, elected to keep his driver on the track as long as possible, hoping a caution would come out. While the caution did not come out until after Reddick pitted, the driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota was able to unlap himself and cycle to the front after Larson's spin sent everyone else to pit for four tires.

Running against the wall with precision, Reddick made it look easy going from third to first on the final lap. Being clutch in the moment is not new to Jordan, something Reddick touched on post-race.

"To be able to reward him with the days like we had today, it's a true honor," Reddick said when referring to the Basketball Hall of Famer. "It was really cool to see how happy he was. We're all very happy about it. He believed in me. He believes in this team. The people, him, Denny, everybody else, has put together to create what 23XI is. He's put a lot toward it. It's really cool in these critical moments to be able to deliver for him and for everybody else that's a part of this team."

With the win, Reddick does not have to worry about this Sunday's elimination race at Martinsville Speedway (2 p.m. ET, NBC). In nine starts at the track, Reddick has two top 10 finishes and has only started in the top 10 once. 

With stage points as important as ever in a competitive Round of 8, the pressure of having to deliver at a track that has not statistically been one of Reddick's better tracks is gone.

Reddick joins Joey Logano as the only two drivers locked into the championship race at Phoenix on Nov. 10. 

While the remaining drivers face the pressure again on Sunday, Reddick will have the assurance of being secured a spot in the championship race for the first time, courtesy of his clutch performance at Miami.