Tyler Reddick became the Tyler Reddick Daytona 500 winner at the 2026 Daytona 500 held at Daytona International Speedway, giving 23XI Racing team owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin another celebrated victory. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate, experienced a mix of pride and heartbreak after a strong performance ended with a 10th-place finish.
Wallace Reflects on Difficult Finish After Leading Most Laps
As the checkered flag waved, Bubba Wallace stood quietly by his No. 23 Toyota, motionless and deep in thought. He looked shattered by the result, especially after leading 40 out of 200 laps—more than any other driver during Sunday’s race. Although Wallace had been a contender throughout the event, a promising campaign slipped away in the final stages, leaving him to process the disappointment.
Fox Sports’ Regan Smith caught up with Wallace on pit road after the race, where Wallace shared his mixed emotions.
“Man, I don’t know what to say,”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
Despite the personal setback, Wallace acknowledged Reddick’s accomplishment and the significance for their team and owners.
“Hats off to the [No.] 45 group,”
“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
Strong Record at Daytona but No Victory Yet
Wallace’s record at the Daytona International Speedway highlights his skill as a superspeedway racer. In his 18 starts at this iconic venue, he’s collected five top-5 finishes and seven top-10s. Within the Daytona 500 itself, Wallace has now finished in the top five three times and has twice come painfully close as runner-up (2018 and 2022).
Sunday’s race saw Wallace dodge crash after crash in a field that took heavy losses from major wrecks. Despite being the event’s lap leader and contending from the front throughout the day, victory once again narrowly eluded him.
“I thought this was our week,”
“The best 500 I’ve ever had, and [to] come up short, sucks. But couldn’t be more proud of the team.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
“… Led a lot of laps, lap leader, I believe. It was a good day for us, but damn. Try again next year.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
What the Result Means for 23XI Racing and Their Owners
With Reddick’s victory, 23XI Racing celebrated in historic fashion. Michael Jordan, commemorating his birthday, and Denny Hamlin were once again crowned as winning owners at NASCAR’s biggest annual event. The outcome reinforced the team’s place among Cup Series contenders, but while the organization soared, Wallace’s determined quest for a Daytona 500 win will have to continue for at least another year.
As the NASCAR Cup Series season moves forward, Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team look to build on Sunday’s strengths, aiming to turn heartbreak into future triumphs. The Daytona 500 remains as unpredictable and emotional as ever, keeping drivers and teams motivated for what lies ahead.
