NASCAR announce late demotion for Cup Series star at Michigan

NASCAR has announced a late demotion for a Cup Series star ahead of Sunday's Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

The 2-mile oval is set to see 200 laps of racing action for the FireKeepers Casino 400, with a start time of 2 pm ET slated.

READ MORE: Could NASCAR lose Michael Jordan and 23XI after latest court ruling? Team owner provides crucial update

However, ahead of the race, NASCAR has confirmed that 23XI star Tyler Reddick will be sent to the rear of the field in his No. 45 Toyota ahead of the green flag.

As per NASCAR's report, Reddick's team made unapproved adjustments to his car at Michigan.

UPDATE: Pre-race, the crew chief for the No. 45 car, Billy Scott, explained that the team had to replace a worn strake on the diffuser of the car, also making other repairs to the underneath of the No. 45 in order to make it race-ready.

READ MORE: Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson among NASCAR Cup Series stars hit with penalties at Michigan

Tyler Reddick suffers blow at Michigan

Although Reddick had only qualified 12th for Sunday's race, it is undoubtedly a big blow for the 23XI star to be sent to the rear.

Reddick is the defending champion of the FireKeepers Casino 400 and managed to achieve that 12th spot in qualifying despite his practice session having been hit with a flat tire.

It has been a turbulent week for Reddick and his 23XI team, with an appeals court ruling in favor of NASCAR over an injunction that granted them de facto chartered status in 2025 until their antitrust lawsuit was complete.

NASCAR could now potentially strip 23XI of their three charters, which would cost them tens of millions, according to co-owner Denny Hamlin, and leave their drivers' futures up in the air.

Quizzed on his future with 23XI and the court case ahead of Sunday's race, Reddick replied: "I don't have comment on that...you'll just have to talk to the legal team."

READ MORE: NASCAR star Ross Chastain benefits as Team Penske driver demoted after Michigan race

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