Michael Jordan Celebrates First Daytona 500 Championship as NASCAR Team Owner

NBA legend's 23XI Racing team secures victory with driver Tyler Reddick

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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NBA icon Michael Jordan celebrated a milestone victory as a NASCAR owner after his team, 23XI Racing, secured its first Daytona 500 championship on Sunday. Two-time Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick reached a defining moment in his career, making a last-lap pass to take the checkered flag at Daytona International Speedway.

Why it matters

This win marks a significant achievement for Jordan, who co-founded 23XI Racing in 2020 with veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. It demonstrates Jordan's successful transition into team ownership and the growth of diversity in the sport, as 23XI Racing fields the only full-time Black driver, Bubba Wallace.

The details

Reddick, 30, from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup series and the first time since the late 2024 season. He broke a 38-race winless streak on Sunday after driving his No. 45 Toyota Camry and making a decisive last-lap move to secure the victory. Reddick celebrated with Jordan, Hamlin, and other NASCAR stars and teammates, including an emotional Bubba Wallace who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th.

  • On Sunday, February 16, 2026, Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing.
  • Michael Jordan turns 63 years old on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Michael Jordan

NBA icon and co-owner of 23XI Racing NASCAR team.

Tyler Reddick

30-year-old driver from Corning, California who won the Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing, his ninth career Cup series victory.

Denny Hamlin

Co-owner of 23XI Racing and the oldest full-time driver in the Cup series at 45 years old.

Bubba Wallace

Driver for 23XI Racing who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th in the Daytona 500.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Spectrum News 13)

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

— Michael Jordan (Associated Press)

“It's stuff you dream of as a kid. Now, I definitely didn't look into the future and know that I would drive for Michael Jordan. But to be able to have someone like Michael Jordan believe in me enough, someone like Denny Hamlin.”

— Tyler Reddick (Associated Press)

What’s next

Michael Jordan will receive a customized Daytona 500 championship ring, which he says will make the victory official.

The takeaway

This historic win for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team demonstrates the growing diversity and star power in NASCAR, as the league continues to attract high-profile owners and drivers from other sports. It also highlights the team's successful recruitment and development of talented young drivers like Tyler Reddick, who have helped establish 23XI as a championship contender.