Tyler Reddick seized a thrilling last-moment win at the Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, stunning fans and delivering a memorable victory to team owner Michael Jordan just two days before the basketball icon’s 63rd birthday. The Tyler Reddick Daytona 500 win marks a career highlight, achieved with a calculated late-race move in the sport’s premier event.
The Race-Altering Move in the Final Seconds
Throughout most of the race, Reddick had not made his presence felt at the front of the pack. It was only as the field approached the final stretch that Reddick found his opportunity. With Chase Elliott leading and seemingly set to secure his first Daytona 500 victory, Reddick dove to the inside on Turn 4, made decisive contact, and surged past Elliott. This allowed Reddick to lead his only lap of the race—the most crucial one—and cross the finish line first at the most renowned race on the NASCAR calendar.
“Just incredible how it all played out,”
Reddick said—Reddick, Driver. His pass, echoing the competitive fire of his boss, electrified the sellout crowd and instantly entered Daytona lore.
Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing Celebrate an Unforgettable Moment
Michael Jordan, whose 23XI Racing is co-owned with NASCAR standout Denny Hamlin, was visibly moved as he joined Reddick and the team for celebrations in Victory Lane, lifting the coveted Harley J. Early trophy. “I can’t believe it,” Jordan remarked as the achievement sank in—Michael Jordan, Team Owner. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of racing’s biggest stage:
“You never know how these races are going to end. You’re just trying to survive. We just hung in there all day. I’m just ecstatic.”
—Michael Jordan, Team Owner. The win marks another landmark accomplishment for Jordan, extending his competitive legacy beyond basketball into motorsports.
Bubba Wallace and Team 23XI’s Race Challenges
For Bubba Wallace, 23XI’s pioneering driver, the race held different emotions. Wallace led more laps than any other driver—39 in total—in a determined bid to become the first Black winner of the Daytona 500. A poorly timed pit stop on lap 181, however, dashed his hopes as he ultimately finished tenth.
“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished — Happy birthday, MJ,”
Wallace said—Bubba Wallace, Driver. He acknowledged the moment’s significance, even amid personal disappointment:
“I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks. But couldn’t be more proud of the team.”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
Reddick’s Breakthrough After Recent Setbacks
Unlike Wallace, Reddick had not been viewed as a frontrunner for most of the 68th Great American Race. Approaching his 30th birthday in January, Reddick was coming off a winless 2025 season—an unexpected downturn after three consecutive years of multiple victories. The win brings a dramatic boost not only for him but also for 23XI Racing as they strive for consistency and excellence.
“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,”
Reddick stated—Tyler Reddick, Driver.
A Fast-Paced Race Sets New Daytona Records
The 2024 Daytona 500 proved especially unpredictable and competitive, featuring 66 lead changes among a record 26 drivers out of the 41-car field. After a late restart with just three laps remaining, Chase Elliott seized the lead and appeared poised to finally clinch the Daytona title on his eleventh attempt. Elliott, the Cup Series’ Most Popular Driver for eight consecutive years, shared the crushing difficulty of coming up just short under immense pressure:
“At that point you’re on defense. That’s a very tough place to be,”
Elliott reflected—Chase Elliott, Driver. He added,
“If I had thrown a double-block on the No. 45, it would have just crashed us. It really sucks to be that close … and not finish it off.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver.
What the Victory Means Moving Forward
Tyler Reddick’s Daytona 500 win for Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing sends a clear message: perseverance and bold moves can produce unforgettable results, even against the longest odds. While Elliott, Wallace, and other top contenders were left reflecting on missed opportunities, Reddick’s performance resonated as a testament to aggressive racing and resilience in the face of uncertainty. The outcome reshapes the early narrative for 23XI Racing and adds a new milestone to Jordan’s imprint on motorsports. As the Cup season progresses, Reddick’s breakthrough could fuel momentum for himself and the entire 23XI team, keeping competitors and fans alike focused on what might unfold next at NASCAR’s highest level.
