Tyler Reddick Wins 2026 Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing

In a thrilling conclusion to “The Great American Race,” Tyler Reddick secured his first-ever Daytona 500 victory at Daytona International Speedway, delivering a historic win for 23XI Racing.

Driving a Toyota, Reddick led just one lap during Sunday’s race — the most crucial one — crossing the finish line under the checkered flag after a chaotic final lap that saw Chase Elliott crash while battling him for the lead.

Reddick described the dramatic ending as “true Daytona madness,” admitting he had already lost his voice from celebrating. “I never imagined I’d become a Daytona 500 champion,” he said moments after climbing from his car.

A Championship Moment for Michael Jordan

The victory was especially meaningful for NBA legend Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin.

Jordan embraced Reddick in victory lane before the two hoisted the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy together. With his 63rd birthday approaching on Tuesday, Jordan joked that the win felt like a championship but said it wouldn’t truly sink in until he received his Daytona 500 winner’s ring — noting he wears size 13.

For Jordan, this marked his first Daytona 500 triumph as a team owner, adding another milestone to his decorated sports legacy.

Emotional Highs and Lows for 23XI Racing

While Reddick celebrated, teammate Bubba Wallace experienced mixed emotions. Wallace dominated large stretches of the race and led numerous laps but ultimately finished 10th. Overcome with emotion in victory lane, Wallace congratulated Reddick while expressing disappointment at falling short.

Jordan offered Wallace words of encouragement, wrapping his arms around him in support. Wallace described the day as monumental for the organization but admitted it was tough to miss out after such a strong performance.

Denny Hamlin’s Bid Falls Short

Despite being a three-time Daytona 500 winner, Hamlin’s quest to become just the third driver to claim four Daytona 500 titles ended in frustration.

Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin finished 31st after being involved in a late-race collision with teammate Christopher Bell with nine laps remaining. The incident triggered a caution that set up a tense four-lap sprint to the finish.

Final Lap Chaos: How Reddick Seized Victory

The race’s decisive moment came when leader Carson Hocevar spun off the track, opening the door for Elliott to take control on the final lap. It appeared that Elliott — son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott — was poised to claim his first Daytona 500 win.

Instead, Reddick surged forward, made contact with Elliott, and capitalized on the ensuing crash to race ahead and claim victory. Elliott ultimately finished fourth, sitting stunned against the outside wall after exiting his car.

Former Daytona 500 winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano completed the podium in second and third, respectively. The result ensured that Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford each placed a driver among the top three finishers.

Legal Battles and a Historic Daytona Sweep

Jordan was also a central figure in NASCAR’s recently settled federal antitrust lawsuit, which concluded on the ninth day of trial. The resolution altered the revenue-sharing structure within NASCAR’s premier series.

Remarkably, team owners involved in that legal battle enjoyed a dominant Daytona weekend:

• Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in the lawsuit, celebrated victory Friday when Chandler Smith won the Truck Series opener for Front Row Motorsports.
• Richard Childress, who testified on behalf of 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, claimed Saturday’s win when Austin Hill triumphed.
• Sunday’s marquee Daytona 500 victory then went to Jordan and Hamlin’s 23XI Racing.

It marked a symbolic and competitive sweep for teams that had recently stood united in court.

Conclusion

Tyler Reddick’s dramatic 2026 Daytona 500 win will be remembered as a defining moment not only for him but also for 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan. In a race filled with late cautions, emotional swings, and last-lap drama, Reddick delivered when it mattered most.

For Jordan, the victory blends his championship pedigree with newfound NASCAR success. For Reddick, it cements his place among Daytona legends. And for 23XI Racing, it signals that the team is firmly established as a powerhouse in the NASCAR Cup Series.

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