Tyler Reddick Wins Thrilling 2026 Daytona 500

23XI Racing team scores first Daytona 500 victory

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tyler Reddick has claimed victory in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 after a thrilling finish that featured numerous crashes. Reddick made a clutch move to pass Chase Elliott on the final turn and cross the finish line first, giving 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, its first Daytona 500 win.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race, so this victory is a major milestone for the young 23XI Racing team. Reddick's win also showcases the team's ability to compete at the highest level and could signal a shift in the competitive landscape of the sport.

The details

Reddick won the race by a margin of victory of 0.308 seconds over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The race featured 65 lead changes among 25 different leaders and was slowed for caution five times for a total of 32 laps. The average speed of the race was 147.107 mph.

  • The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 took place on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tyler Reddick

The winner of the 2026 Daytona 500, driving the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing.

23XI Racing

A NASCAR team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, which scored its first Daytona 500 victory with Reddick's win.

Chase Elliott

The driver who finished second after Reddick passed him on the final turn to take the checkered flag.

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What they’re saying

“This is an incredible moment for our team. To win the Daytona 500 in just our second season is a dream come true.”

— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing (NASCAR.com)

What’s next

The next major NASCAR event is the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 23, 2026.

The takeaway

Tyler Reddick's thrilling Daytona 500 victory has established 23XI Racing as a force to be reckoned with in NASCAR, and the team's first win in the sport's biggest race could be a sign of more success to come.