Michael Jordan, six-time NBA champion, is now a Daytona 500 winner

Tyler Reddick's last-lap pass at Daytona International Speedway sent Jordan into a frantic celebration as the co-owner of 23XI Racing.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion, is now a Daytona 500 winner after Tyler Reddick's dramatic last-lap pass at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday. Reddick, driving for Jordan's 23XI Racing team, led only the final lap to claim the victory, sending Jordan into a celebratory embrace with the race winner in victory lane.

Why it matters

Jordan's Daytona 500 victory as a team owner marks a significant milestone in his transition from basketball superstar to successful motorsports entrepreneur. The win also highlights the growing influence of team owners like Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and others who have become heavily involved in the business and competitive side of NASCAR in recent years.

The details

Reddick, a 30-year-old from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and first time since late in the 2024 season. Winless last year, Reddick was primarily focused on his infant son, who was found to have a tumor in his chest that affected his heart. Reddick opened last year with a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500. He snapped the 38-race losing streak by finishing one place higher Sunday and winning to start a celebration that included multiple stars of NASCAR, including Jordan and Hamlin.

  • Tyler Reddick led only the final lap on Sunday to win the Daytona 500.
  • Michael Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, will get a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday.

The players

Michael Jordan

A six-time NBA champion who is now a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team in NASCAR.

Tyler Reddick

A 30-year-old driver from Corning, California who won the Daytona 500 for the first time in his career, driving for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team.

Denny Hamlin

The 45-year-old co-owner of 23XI Racing and a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver who finished 31st in the Daytona 500.

Bubba Wallace

The driver of the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th.

Jim France

The chairman of NASCAR who went to victory lane to congratulate the winners after the Daytona 500.

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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 (NPR)

“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 (NPR)

“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 (NPR)

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

Michael Jordan's Daytona 500 victory as a team owner highlights his successful transition from basketball superstar to influential motorsports entrepreneur, as well as the growing impact of team owners like Jordan and Denny Hamlin in NASCAR.