Michael Jordan Celebrates First Daytona 500 Victory as NASCAR Team Owner

Jordan's 23XI Racing team earns its first Daytona 500 win with driver Tyler Reddick's last-lap pass

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michael Jordan, the NBA legend and owner of 23XI Racing, celebrated his first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner on Sunday. Jordan's driver, Tyler Reddick, made a last-lap pass to win the prestigious NASCAR race, fulfilling Jordan's vision of building a winning team. The victory was an early birthday present for Jordan, who turns 63 in a couple of days, and he appeared overjoyed as he lifted the trophy with Reddick.

Why it matters

Jordan's entry into NASCAR as a team owner in 2021 was a significant moment for the sport, and this Daytona 500 win is a major milestone for his 23XI Racing team. The victory showcases Jordan's commitment to building a competitive team and his passion for the sport he grew up following as a fan. It also highlights the power of teamwork, as Reddick's teammate Riley Herbst played a crucial role in pushing him to the win.

The details

Reddick, a former dirt late model racer, joined 23XI Racing earlier than expected after Kurt Busch's concussion. Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin had been eyeing Reddick for years, believing in his talent and wanting him to be a part of their team. The victory came after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in 2024, which resulted in better charter terms for the team.

  • The Daytona 500 took place on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Michael Jordan turns 63 years old in a couple of days.

The players

Michael Jordan

The NBA legend and owner of 23XI Racing, who grew up as a NASCAR fan and has been passionate about building a winning team in the sport.

Tyler Reddick

The driver who won the 2026 Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing, fulfilling Jordan's vision of building a competitive team.

Denny Hamlin

The co-owner of 23XI Racing, who convinced Jordan to form the team and has been a longtime supporter of Reddick.

Riley Herbst

The driver of 23XI Racing's third chartered car, who played a crucial role in pushing Reddick to the Daytona 500 victory.

Jim France

The NASCAR Chairman who visited Victory Lane to congratulate Reddick and the 23XI team on their Daytona 500 win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm ecstatic. I don't even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship.”

— Michael Jordan (FOX Sports)

“He loves this race team. In [a] meeting that we had just a few weeks ago with the team, I reminded them about Talladega and how excited he was on pit road. And I was like, 'Do you guys understand the responsibilities that you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan? You have that power.'”

— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing (FOX Sports)

“It's just cool to see him get the joy out of that. I can't imagine what it's like playing at the level he did and accomplishing the things he did and then just walking away from it and going back to the things that the rest of us experience in daily life.”

— Billy Scott, Crew Chief, 23XI Racing (FOX Sports)

“Denny and Michael, those two have believed in me for years. They've wanted me to be a part of 23XI. It's a mix of can we come through on the promises that I made for them and they made for me type of thing.”

— Tyler Reddick, Driver, 23XI Racing (FOX Sports)

“Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do. He doesn't get enough credit. He won't get enough credit. But we feel the love. We understand exactly what he did.”

— Michael Jordan (FOX Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Daytona 500 victory is a significant milestone for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, showcasing his commitment to building a competitive NASCAR program and the power of teamwork in the sport. The win also highlights Jordan's lifelong passion for racing and his belief in the talent of drivers like Tyler Reddick, who have delivered on the promises made by the team's owners.