23XI Racing celebrated its first Daytona 500 victory as Tyler Reddick captured the checkered flag in the iconic race at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026. The pivotal role played by Riley Herbst in the final laps highlighted the power of teamwork for the Toyota-backed squad, with the focus keyword, Riley Herbst Daytona 500 teamwork, defining their memorable win.
Jordan’s Praise for Strategy and Collaboration
Despite a challenging qualifying session that left Tyler Reddick starting from the 40th position, he surged through the field alongside teammates Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst, who started 30th and 31st respectively. All three entries from Michael Jordan’s team finished inside the top ten, showcasing impressive strategy and resilience throughout the 200-lap contest.
On the final lap, Reddick overtook Chase Elliott to claim victory, a feat that team owner Michael Jordan likened to triumphs in his own storied NBA career. Speaking to the press, Jordan expressed the euphoria of this moment:
“I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
Jordan acknowledged Riley Herbst’s key contribution to the success, as Herbst gave Reddick the decisive push needed in the closing moments. Jordan elaborated on Herbst’s vital teamwork:
“I thought Riley did a really unbelievable job by pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do. He won’t get enough credit, but we feel the love. We understand exactly what he did. We just hung in there all day. We had a great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end.”
Herbst finished eighth behind Chris Buescher, while Bubba Wallace brought the #23 Toyota Camry XSE home in tenth, one spot behind Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry. Corey Heim, another 23XI Racing entry and 2025 Craftsman Truck Series driver, rounded out the team’s day in 28th place.
Nerves and Determination in the 2025 Postseason
The 23XI Racing team had faced pressure before, most recently in the 2025 postseason ahead of the Kansas Speedway event. Tyler Reddick discussed those moments of anxiety in a NASCAR interview, reflecting on the team’s confidence and the evolving competition at the famed 1.5-mile circuit. Reddick explained that while 23XI Racing performed strongly at Kansas until 2023, Hendrick Motorsports, and specifically Kyle Larson, posed increasing challenges starting in 2024.
Reddick shared his mindset during that period:
“The car changes, the Goodyear tires change, so naturally you’ve got to keep up with it. I think it’s fair to be nervous; there’s a lot that weighs on this weekend, and it’s super important for us to either win or run top-five all day and score a lot of points.”
At that race, Chase Elliott edged 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin by just 0.069 seconds, underscoring the narrow margins at play. Bubba Wallace ranked fifth, with Reddick finishing seventh, and Riley Herbst concluding the day in 22nd position.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for 23XI Racing
The 2026 Daytona 500 has etched a new chapter for 23XI Racing, as the team’s strategic approach and the unity among drivers such as Riley Herbst, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace delivered results against elite competition including Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, and Josh Berry. Michael Jordan’s passionate leadership and the persistent efforts of the crew and drivers further cemented 23XI Racing’s reputation as an emerging force within NASCAR.
Looking ahead, the momentum from this landmark victory is expected to energize both the team and its fans for the rest of the season. With drivers embracing both nerves and high expectations, 23XI Racing’s ability to collaborate and adapt in critical situations lays a strong foundation for further Cup Series success.
A Harley J. Earl Trophy is a great early birthday present. pic.twitter.com/yyCSspX99P
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2026
