Tyler Reddick's 1-lap lead delivers NASCAR's biggest win

Michael Jordan celebrates first Daytona 500 victory as team owner

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 on Sunday, delivering the first Daytona 500 victory for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. Reddick made a last-lap pass to take the checkered flag, sparking a celebratory embrace between him and the overjoyed Jordan in victory lane.

Why it matters

This win marks a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, which was founded in 2020 as a partnership between Jordan and Hamlin. The team's first Daytona 500 victory is a major accomplishment, showcasing the success of their venture and the power of Jordan's involvement in NASCAR.

The details

Reddick, a 30-year-old driver from Corning, California, led only the final lap of the race. He made a decisive move to pass Chase Elliott on the final lap, with help from his teammate Riley Herbst, to claim the victory. The win comes after a difficult 2025 season for Reddick, who was winless and focused on his infant son's health issues.

  • Reddick won the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Michael Jordan will celebrate his 63rd birthday on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Tyler Reddick

A 30-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver from Corning, California, who won the Daytona 500 for the first time in his career.

Michael Jordan

A six-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer, who is the co-owner of 23XI Racing, the team that won the Daytona 500.

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR driver and the co-owner of 23XI Racing, which won the Daytona 500 with Tyler Reddick.

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR driver who races for 23XI Racing and led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th in the Daytona 500.

Chase Elliott

A NASCAR driver who was leading the race on the final lap but was involved in a crash that allowed Reddick to take the victory.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know.”

— Michael Jordan (fox11online.com)

“He loves his race team. I was like 'You know, you guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan. You have that power and nobody else can do it.'”

— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner (fox11online.com)

“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness. I've already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion.”

— Tyler Reddick, Daytona 500 winner (fox11online.com)

“I don't want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That's a massive birthday present.”

— Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing driver (fox11online.com)

“We ended up kind of getting gifted the lead ... and then at that point in time, you're just on defense. Man, that's a really, really tough place to be, truthfully.”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR driver (fox11online.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.