In a thrilling finale to the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Tyler Reddick delivered a historic victory for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, surging to the win on the final lap amid chaos and crashes that defined the sport's marquee event.
Reddick's triumph marked the first Daytona 500 victory for both the driver and the Jordan-co-owned 23XI Racing organization, capping a race filled with late drama that saw the NASCAR star start the decisive lap in fourth position before capitalizing on a multi-car incident to claim the checkered flag.
The turning point came exiting Turn 4 on the final lap, as Carson Hocevar led the field under the white flag. Contact in the pack triggered a crash that sent Hocevar into the outside wall, creating a frantic scramble for the lead among the unaffected runners.
Running fourth, Reddick deftly avoided the wreck and slotted in behind Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Chase Elliott on the backstretch. With crucial drafting help from his 23XI teammate Riley Herbst, Reddick built momentum and powered past Elliott entering the final corners to secure the victory.
"I didn't know if I'd ever win this race, it's surreal, honestly," Reddick said after crossing the finish line, reflecting on the emotional weight of his long-awaited Daytona 500 success.
The win held added significance for Michael Jordan, arriving just two days before the basketball legend's 63rd birthday and representing a major milestone for his expanding NASCAR venture with 23XI Racing.
This dramatic outcome not only etched Reddick's name into Daytona 500 lore but also solidified 23XI Racing's arrival as a contender in NASCAR's biggest race, turning a tense battle into a defining moment for the team.
