Tyler Reddick gives Michael Jordan his first Daytona 500 win

Dramatic final-lap surge secures victory for 23XI Racing

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tyler Reddick, driving for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, won the Daytona 500 in dramatic fashion on the final lap. Reddick made a late surge to pass Chase Elliott, who had been leading, and took the checkered flag to give Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner.

Why it matters

This win marks a significant milestone for Michael Jordan, the NBA legend who co-owns 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin. It also highlights the ongoing changes in NASCAR's ownership and revenue-sharing model, which Jordan was heavily involved in through a recent federal antitrust lawsuit.

The details

Reddick, in a Toyota for 23XI Racing, led only the final lap of the race. He made a dramatic surge to pass Elliott, who had been leading, and caused Elliott to crash as he took the checkered flag. The victory celebration included an emotional moment between Reddick's teammate Bubba Wallace, who had dominated much of the race but finished 10th, and Jordan, who offered words of encouragement.

  • Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Michael Jordan turns 63 years old on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Tyler Reddick

The driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota for 23XI Racing, who won the Daytona 500.

Michael Jordan

The co-owner of 23XI Racing, who celebrated his first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner.

Bubba Wallace

Reddick's teammate at 23XI Racing, who dominated much of the race but finished 10th.

Denny Hamlin

The co-owner of 23XI Racing and a three-time Daytona 500 winner.

Chase Elliott

The driver who was leading on the final lap but crashed after being passed by Reddick.

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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, Driver

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

— Michael Jordan

“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, Driver

“I can't even believe it. It was so gratifying. You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive. We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I'm ecstatic.”

— Michael Jordan

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 victory not only marks a significant milestone for Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, but also highlights the ongoing changes in NASCAR's ownership and revenue-sharing model, which Jordan was heavily involved in through a recent federal antitrust lawsuit.