23XI Racing Celebrates First Daytona 500 Victory

Michael Jordan's team becomes first Toyota organization to have all three full-time cars finish in the top 10 at the prestigious race.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a dramatic final lap at Daytona International Speedway, Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing won the Daytona 500, the first victory for the team co-owned by Michael Jordan. Reddick was pushed into the lead by William Byron, who was going for his third consecutive Daytona 500 win, but ultimately fell short. 23XI Racing's other drivers, Riley Herbst and Bubba Wallace, finished 8th and 10th respectively, making it the only Toyota organization to have all three of its full-time teams finish in the top 10.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, which was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team's success at the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR's most prestigious races, demonstrates its growing competitiveness and the strength of its driver lineup. It also highlights the team's ability to work together strategically, with Herbst's late-race push proving crucial to Reddick's win.

The details

Reddick was running fifth with 10 laps to go, but a late caution allowed him to restart second. He was then pushed into the lead by Byron, but had to fend off a last-lap charge from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to take the checkered flag. Nine cars finished within three-tenths of a second of Reddick, making it one of the closest Daytona 500 finishes in history.

  • On lap 5, Reddick's Toyota was involved in a six-car accident.
  • With 8 laps remaining, a caution came out when JGR teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin crashed on the front stretch.
  • Reddick took the lead on the final lap and won the race by 0.308 seconds over Stenhouse.

The players

23XI Racing

A NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, which fields cars for Tyler Reddick, Riley Herbst, and Bubba Wallace.

Tyler Reddick

The 30-year-old driver who won the 2026 Daytona 500, the first victory for 23XI Racing.

Michael Jordan

The co-owner of 23XI Racing and NBA legend, who has been a lifelong NASCAR fan.

Riley Herbst

The 23XI Racing driver who finished 8th in the Daytona 500, with his late-race push proving crucial to Reddick's victory.

Bubba Wallace

The 23XI Racing driver who finished 10th in the Daytona 500, despite being the event's top lap leader.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing

“I thought Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do.”

— Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing

“I thought this was our week, the best 500 I've ever had, and come up short sucks. It was a good day for us, but damn! Try again next year.”

— Bubba Wallace

What’s next

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The takeaway

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