Historic Victory Marks First Daytona 500 for Driver and Team Owner
Tyler Reddick has won the Daytona 500, a significant achievement for both the driver and Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team. The race, known for its unpredictable nature, concluded with a dramatic last-lap pass, solidifying Reddick's place in NASCAR history and delivering a crowning moment for Jordan's ownership venture. This victory is particularly poignant as it marks the first time Reddick, or the 23XI Racing team, has won this prestigious event.
The Final Lap's Tumultuous Unfolding
The conclusion of the Daytona 500 was characterized by intense action and several pivotal moments on the final lap.
Reports indicate that Carson Hocevar was leading the race as the white flag, signifying the final lap, dropped.
Shortly after, Hocevar was reportedly turned, losing control of his vehicle.
Other contenders, including Chase Elliott, were also vying for the lead.
Tyler Reddick, in a surge from third place, navigated the chaos.
Sources suggest Reddick passed Elliott on the backstretch after Elliott had exited Turn 4.
The winning move, described as a significant surge, occurred as Reddick crossed the finish line, leading only the final lap.
A Defining Moment for 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan
This victory represents a major milestone for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by basketball icon Michael Jordan.
Read More: Michael Jordan Seen Touching Child During Race Celebration
Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, will receive a Daytona 500 ring, a fitting birthday gift.
The win fulfills a long-held ambition for Jordan to see his team triumph in "The Great American Race."
For 23XI Racing, this is their first Daytona 500 win.
The team also achieved a record with three cars finishing in the top 10.
Reddick's Personal Journey and Race Performance
Tyler Reddick's path to victory was marked by both personal challenges and a strategic performance in the race.
Reddick opened the previous year's Daytona 500 with a second-place finish.
His focus last year was also impacted by his infant son's health issues.
He became the 25th different driver to lead a lap in this year's race, setting a new record.
This win is also significant as Reddick is only the second Toyota driver to win the Daytona 500.
The victory came on the fourth occasion in Daytona 500 history where the winner did not lead until the final lap.
Race Incidents and Contender Setbacks
The Daytona 500 was marked by several caution periods and multi-car incidents that affected the field of contenders.
Read More: Austin Hill Wins Pole Position for Daytona NASCAR Race
A 17-car crash was triggered late in Stage 2 when Justin Allgaier made contact with Denny Hamlin, taking out numerous potential winners.
Austin Cindric was among those caught in a wreck that also involved Todd Gilliland and Alex Bowman.
William Byron's attempt to become the first driver to win three consecutive Daytona 500s was unsuccessful.
Some cars sustained damage, impacting their ability to compete for the win.
Allgaier, a regular in the second-tier series, acknowledged his role in the incident, though he had a strong performance last year.
Key Figures and Race Outcomes
| Driver | Car Number/Team | Notable Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Reddick | #45 Toyota Camry | Winner; Led final lap |
| Chase Elliott | Not specified | Involved in late-lap incident |
| Carson Hocevar | Not specified | Led at white flag; Involved in final lap crash |
| Michael Jordan | 23XI Racing Owner | First Daytona 500 win as owner |
| Justin Allgaier | Not specified | Triggered major crash late in Stage 2 |
| Denny Hamlin | Not specified | Involved in Allgaier incident; Finished 31st |
| William Byron | #24 Chevrolet | Attempted three-peat; fell short |
Expert Analysis
The dramatic finish highlights the inherent volatility of superspeedway racing. The concentration of high-stakes incidents in the race's final moments underscores the risks involved in competing for the Daytona 500. For Michael Jordan, this victory is a tangible success in his expanding motorsports endeavors, adding a significant title to his ownership portfolio. The 23XI Racing team's performance, with multiple cars in the top 10, suggests a growing strength and competitiveness within the organization.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Tyler Reddick's victory at the Daytona 500 is a landmark event, bringing the coveted trophy to Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing for the first time. The chaotic nature of the race's conclusion, with leaders being displaced in the final moments, serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable theatre of NASCAR's biggest event. This win establishes a new benchmark for both Reddick and the 23XI team, likely fueling further ambition and investment in their racing programs. The inclusion of Justin Allgaier's incident and William Byron's failed three-peat bid demonstrate the tight margins and intense competition that define the Daytona 500.
Read More: Kyle Busch Gets Pole for Daytona 500 Race
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/racing/story//id/47942112/tyler-reddick-wins-daytona-500-car-owned-michael-jordan
NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/2026-daytona-500-results-points-as-tyler-reddick-puts-michael-jordan-in-victory-lane
The New York Times (The Athletic): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/daytona-500-live-updates-nascar-race-time-how-to-watch-and-odds/qvmsnySARiXu/
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nascar/news/2026-daytona-500-live-updates-results-highlights-lineup-start-time/live/
Motorsport.com: https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/driving-for-michael-jordan-tyler-reddick-wins-the-daytona-500-in-wreck-filled-finish/10797943/
NBC Chicago: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/michael-jordan-daytona-500-win-in-tyler-reddick-victory/3894006/
IBTimes UK: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/tyler-reddick-daytona-500-win-michael-jordan-23xi-racing-1779170
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/15/sport/tyler-reddick-michael-jordan-daytona-500
