Tyler Reddick delivered 23XI Racing its first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday, seizing the win in a breathtaking finish at Daytona, marking a landmark triumph for both himself and team co-owner Michael Jordan. The Tyler Reddick Daytona 500 win capped off an intense race, underscoring the team’s effort to fulfill the high expectations set by Jordan at NASCAR’s crown jewel event.
Tyler Reddick Brings Victory to Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing
Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing celebrated a milestone on Sunday when Tyler Reddick surged past the competition to claim the Daytona 500 title, finishing ahead of Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, and Brad Keselowski. The victory marked the first Daytona 500 win for both Reddick and the organization co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. In an emotional moment after the checkered flag, Jordan shared his excitement with The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, expressing his deep satisfaction with the team’s performance:
“I love it, I absolutely love it.”
– Michael Jordan, Team Co-Owner
Reddick Reflects on Challenging Journey and Team Effort
Following the win, Reddick spoke on the Fox broadcast, highlighting the strenuous nature of the race and the collective work put in by his teammates to secure the win.
“I can’t even believe it. It’s so gratifying,”
said Reddick.
“We have four guys who were really fighting, helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end, right? It’s like you just try to survive. … We just hung in there, all day. Great strategy by the team. We gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship. Until I get my ring I won’t even know.”
– Tyler Reddick, Driver
Throughout the 2024 season, Reddick and the 23XI Racing crew faced challenges stemming from last year’s struggles. Speaking to Fox Sports’ Jamie Little after his win, Reddick reflected on their perseverance, saying,
“Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,”
Reddick admitted. He emphasized the pressure that comes with driving for Jordan and the drive for annual success, stating,
“When you’re a Cup driver, and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year. For us to go on that drought we did made us look hard in the mirror, and really proud of everyone on our Toyota Camry. Worked really hard in the off-season, and there was many points in this race where we weren’t making decisions we wanted to, but we just reset, and every opportunity we got to reset we went back at it. Just speechless. I didn’t know if I’d ever win this race. It’s surreal, honestly. Honestly, the best part is my son asked before this race, ‘Are you finally going to win this race?’ Something about today just felt right… Just true Daytona madness. It’s going to be a long night if I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.”
– Tyler Reddick, Driver
A Late-Race Pass Secures a Place in History
The final laps of the Daytona 500 saw Reddick make decisive moves, first sliding to the outside to reach second, then darting inside on the last turn to overtake the leader, all as a crash erupted behind. This bold maneuver marked the only lap Reddick led all day, showing impeccable timing that delivered an electrifying ending for fans and an exuberant celebration for Jordan. The significance of the Tyler Reddick Daytona 500 win is amplified by Reddick’s journey, overcoming adversity to secure his inaugural victory at one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.
The Impact on NASCAR and What’s Next
Reddick’s win not only propels his standing in the Cup series but also cements 23XI Racing’s status as a major competitor in NASCAR, while fulfilling the ambitions of Michael Jordan and the team. The Daytona 500 victory energizes the crew and inspires other organizations, promising a highly competitive season ahead. As Reddick, Jordan, and their team savor this achievement, all eyes turn to how this accomplishment will shape their momentum for the coming NASCAR races.
"I love it. I absolutely love it," Michael Jordan says in victory lane when asked by @TheAthletic how it feels to win the Daytona 500.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) February 15, 2026
