Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott end Stage 2 with 'exact tie' photo finish within .001 seconds at Atlanta

There’s just something about photo finishes at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta. This time, it wasn’t for the checkered flag, but rather the Stage 2 win. Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott appeared to cross the start/finish line at the exact same time, creating mass confusion about who won the stage.

The scoring monitor showed that Reddick beat Elliott to the line by 0.001 seconds. But then, NASCAR ruled it was Elliott who was ahead, according to the high-speed camera. NASCAR later determined that Reddick edged out Elliott for the Stage 2 win. Yes, it was that close.

It's @TylerReddick … by 0.001 seconds to take Stage 2! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/cEqIHe3dtT

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 29, 2025

Reddick and Elliott have been fast all night, and with the carnage in Stage 1 and 2, both might have the cars to beat. Both are winless this season. With many playoff drivers out of the equation, the opportunity is there for a first-time winner in 2025 to clinch their spot in the postseason.

“It’s getting better and better,” Elliott told his team after the finish to Stage 2. “I don’t think I need anything right now.”

Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott having strong performances at Atlanta

To Elliott’s credit, he’s done an outstanding job of picking up good finishes. He’s yet to finish outside the top 20 this season. Reddick, meanwhile, has been a bit inconsistent — especially of late. He came into Saturday’s race with three finishes of 20th or worse in his last five starts.

Reddick and his 23XI Racing teammates — Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst — haven’t been as sharp as some other teams. But right now, Reddick has a shot to snap his winless streak going back to last season’s playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

It’s been a wild night in Atlanta, and there’s still plenty of race left. Beyond Reddick and Elliott, a whole host of other drivers have a golden opportunity to become playoff bound.