Tyler Reddick misses chance at NASCAR history at Phoenix

Tyler Reddick had the opportunity Sunday to become the first driver in NASCAR history to open a season with four straight wins and to be the first driver since Jimmie Johnson to win four straight races at any point in a season. 

And while he ran inside the top five and top 10 all day, Reddick wasn't able to pull a rabbit out of his hat on the final restart of the race. He came home eighth on what was a solid but not historic day for his No. 45 23XI Racing team.

History eludes Tyler Reddick at Phoenix

"Just kind of back and forth on what direction we needed to go with our Camry," Reddick told Fox Sports. "Just hovered around fifth all day. We took those two tires there [and] it got a little tight on us at the end. Would've been nice to make it four. Solid day. If we're not going to win, these are the kind of days we need to have."

Reddick retains the Cup Series points lead through four races and has a 60-point gap over Phoenix winner Ryan Blaney as the circuit prepares to head to Las Vegas on March 15. Reddick's average finish through three races this season is an incredible 2.75.