Tyler Reddick delivered 23XI Racing a breathtaking and emotional victory at the Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, securing his first Daytona 500 win in stunning fashion and raising the profile of the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The 23XI Racing Daytona 500 victory arrived after late-race chaos, with Reddick charging ahead on the final lap past Chase Elliott while cars wrecked behind them, capping one of the most unpredictable endings in the iconic race’s history.
Final Lap Wreck Sets Up Unforgettable Finish
The high-octane ending unfolded as Carson Hocevar, after signing a fresh contract with Spire Motorsports, saw his chances slip away on the race’s last lap. He was pushed into the outside wall almost immediately after taking the white flag, triggering a major multi-car accident.
In a controversial moment, NASCAR officials decided not to throw the caution flag right away. If the caution had come instantly after Hocevar’s crash, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. appeared poised to snatch his second career Daytona 500 win. The decision, however, ensured the race stayed green for its climactic moments, with Chase Elliott seizing the lead as the field sped down the backstretch. Reddick, never leading a lap until this point, saw an opening in Turn 4, built up momentum, and slipped past Elliott to take the checkered flag.
“WHERE DID HE COME FROM?!
TYLER REDDICK IS A DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/IaXoaKwwMf”
— NASCAR (@NASCAR), February 15, 2026
Reddick’s Patient Strategy Pays Off in the End
Reddick’s determined approach was evident throughout the afternoon. He started the race in 26th position and held back, never leading the first 199 laps of the 200-lap classic. His patience was ultimately rewarded, as strategic positioning on the restart and the late chaos allowed him to take command at precisely the right moment.
The tone for the dramatic conclusion was set just laps earlier, when a clash between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates added even more unpredictability to the event. On lap 192, Christopher Bell tangled with Denny Hamlin in Turns 3 and 4, forcing Bell’s car into the wall after his right-front tire went down. That accident brought out a late caution and packed the field together with only three laps remaining, ensuring a frantic and aggressive sprint to the finish line.
Notable Performances and Top Ten Finishers
While Stenhouse led at several points and looked strong for much of the race, NASCAR’s decision not to deploy the caution flag left him settling for second place. Joey Logano, a past Daytona 500 winner, finished third, with Chase Elliott bringing his damaged car home in fourth. Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five.
The remainder of the top ten included Zane Smith in sixth, Chris Buescher claiming seventh, Riley Herbst in eighth, Josh Berry in ninth, and Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s 23XI Racing teammate, securing tenth place.
Controversy Lingers Over NASCAR’s Late-Race Decision
NASCAR’s call to keep the race under green when Hocevar’s crash unfolded drew immediate questions from several teams and drivers. With such a high-stakes event as the Daytona 500 and the extent of the accident, many felt the caution should have come out instantly. The incident highlighted just how pivotal officiating decisions can be during motorsport’s biggest moments.
Breakthrough for 23XI Racing and the Road Ahead
For 23XI Racing, Sunday’s success marked an important milestone. Formed in 2021, the team has captured NASCAR’s biggest prize in just its fourth season, delivering a proud achievement for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s organization. The win was made even more meaningful as it coincided with Jordan’s birthday, providing extra celebration and significance for the team and its fans.
Looking ahead, other teams and drivers—including well-known names like Chris Buescher, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Zane Smith, Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, Riley Herbst, Chase Elliott, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Carson Hocevar, Josh Berry, and Bubba Wallace—will be eager to regroup and chase victory at future events. While some remain frustrated by the race-ending call, there’s no question that 23XI Racing’s Daytona 500 victory will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and emotional moments in recent NASCAR history.
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?!
TYLER REDDICK IS A DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/IaXoaKwwMf
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2026
