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T yler Reddick claimed the iconic Daytona 500 on Sunday in a dramatic and chaotic finale at Daytona International Speedway, steering his No. 45 Toyota across the finish line in a car belonging to 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co‑owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and three‑time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.
The victory came in emphatic fashion — a last‑lap surge by Reddick not only delivered the biggest win of his Cup Series career but also marked a milestone moment for 23XI Racing, capturing its first Daytona 500 triumph.
Final‑Lap Drama Seals Unforgettable Win
The race, which featured high speeds, intense pack racing and multiple late‑race incidents, culminated in a thrilling final lap. Reddick, battling veteran Chase Elliott for the lead as the laps ticked down, found an opening in the closing seconds. As Elliott lost control and was sent into the wall in the melee, Reddick surged ahead to cross the stripe first, sealing the win.
It was a memorable finish befitting NASCAR’s biggest annual event. Reddick led only one lap — the final one — yet that was all it took to claim the checkered flag and etch his name in Daytona lore.
Reddick’s Personal Triumph
For Reddick, the 30‑year‑old from Corning, California , this victory was both professionally and personally significant. It snapped a winless streak dating back to late 2024 and added the prestigious Daytona 500 trophy to his racing résumé.
His emotional celebration in victory lane included moments with his family — including his infant son — and the entire 23XI Racing crew. The triumph not only marked his ninth career win in the NASCAR Cup Series but also delivered a defining highlight early in the 2026 season
Michael Jordan’s First Daytona 500 Win as Co‑Owner
The victory was especially sweet for Jordan, who has been a prominent team co‑owner since launching 23XI Racing alongside Hamlin. Having faced legal challenges and fierce competition in the NASCAR landscape, Jordan finally got his first Daytona 500 win and marked the occasion with unbridled joy.
In victory lane, Jordan shared a heartfelt embrace with Reddick and hoisted the sport’s iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy, celebrating alongside team members and fans. Jordan also revealed that he would soon receive a Daytona 500 ring — a special keepsake commemorating the milestone moment.
“It feels like I won a championship,” Jordan said with a laugh before adding that the ring — arriving on his birthday — would make it truly official.
23XI Racing’s Rise and Challenges
23XI Racing has quickly grown into one of NASCAR’s most prominent teams, combining the star power of its owners with competitive driving talent. The team’s journey has included legal disputes, strategic expansions and high‑profile signings — all aimed at making it a perennial contender.
This victory at Daytona serves as the season‑opening statement and caps a weekend of success for team owners such as Jordan and Hamlin, who had previously fought a federal antitrust lawsuit that reshaped NASCAR’s revenue‑sharing model. The win further validates 23XI’s investments and the confidence its leadership placed in drivers like Reddick and teammate Bubba Wallace.
Other Podium Finishers and Race Highlights
While Reddick took the top step, several other drivers delivered strong performances:
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished second overall, turning heads with a powerful run through the closing laps.
- Joey Logano rounded out the podium with a third‑place finish, adding to a competitive Top 3 lineup.
- Chase Elliott, who appeared poised to win, ultimately wound up fourth after the late‑race incident.
The unpredictable nature of the race, including early‑race cautions and tightly packed drafting groups, made for a classic Daytona showdown.
Significance for NASCAR’s Season Ahead
The Daytona 500 has long been regarded as NASCAR’s marquee event — often setting the tone for the season to come. Reddick’s win not only boosts his confidence but could also elevate 23XI Racing’s momentum as it pursues additional victories and championship aspirations. For Jordan, the victory is a major milestone in his tenure as a team owner and adds another layer to his already legendary career in sports — bridging his legacy from basketball’s hardwood to NASCAR’s famed superspeedways.
Reflections and Reactions
In post‑race interviews, both Reddick and Jordan reflected on the emotional weight of the win:
- Reddick spoke of the “Daytona madness” that characterized the final laps and expressed disbelief that his first victory of the year came in such dramatic fashion.
- Jordan’s exuberant celebration — including sharing the moment with Reddick and Hamlin — highlighted the deep connection he feels to the team’s success.
Drivers, team members and fans praised the finish as one of the most memorable Daytona 500 endings in recent years, blending high stakes, strategic racing and a storybook outcome.
