Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan-Owned 23XI Racing

Jordan celebrates first Daytona 500 victory as team owner

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tyler Reddick, driving for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, won the 2026 Daytona 500 after a late-race crash involving Chase Elliott. Reddick led only the final lap to claim the victory, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano finishing second and third. The win marked the first Daytona 500 triumph for Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race, and a victory for Michael Jordan's team is a significant milestone for the NBA legend's foray into motorsports. The race also highlighted the ongoing legal battle between NASCAR and team owners over revenue sharing, with several owners involved in the recent antitrust lawsuit against the sanctioning body.

The details

Reddick, in a Toyota for 23XI Racing, led only the final lap after Chase Elliott crashed while battling for the lead. Reddick surged past Elliott to take the checkered flag, giving Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner. The win came after a chaotic final few laps that saw several lead changes and a late caution that set up a sprint to the finish.

  • Tyler Reddick led only the final lap to win the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026.
  • The race featured a late caution with 9 laps remaining that set up the final push to the finish.

The players

Tyler Reddick

The race winner, driving for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team.

Michael Jordan

NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, which won its first Daytona 500.

Denny Hamlin

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

Chase Elliott

The son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who was leading on the final lap before crashing.

Bubba Wallace

Reddick's teammate at 23XI Racing, who led a large portion of the race but finished 10th.

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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 (The Epoch Times)

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

— Michael Jordan (The Epoch Times)

“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. I thought this was our week, the best 500 I've ever had, and come up short, sucks.”

— Bubba Wallace (The Epoch Times)

What’s next

Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing will celebrate the Daytona 500 victory, with Jordan expected to receive his first Daytona 500 championship ring on his 63rd birthday on February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Tyler Reddick's Daytona 500 victory for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team is a significant milestone for the NBA legend's foray into NASCAR, highlighting the growing influence of team owners in the sport and the continued competitiveness of the Daytona 500 as NASCAR's marquee event.