Tyler Reddick Secures Victory for 23XI Racing in 2026 Daytona 500, Under the Ownership of NBA Icon Michael Jordan

DAYTONA, Fla. — In a thrilling finale at the Daytona 500, Tyler Reddick clinched victory in a car owned by none other than Michael Jordan. The decisive moment came when Chase Elliott, in a tight race with Reddick for the lead, crashed, clearing the path for Reddick’s triumph.

Behind the wheel of a Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick led the most crucial lap of all—crossing the finish line first. This victory was particularly significant for the team, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin.

In an unexpected twist, Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, found himself caught in the chaos of the final caution. A collision with teammate Christopher Bell with just nine laps to go set the stage for an intense final sprint over the remaining four laps.

Initially, it seemed Chase Elliott had the win within his grasp, especially after Carson Hocevar, who was leading, spun off the track. As the son of NASCAR icon Bill Elliott, it looked as though he was set to capture his first Daytona 500 victory.

However, Reddick had other plans. Making a bold move, he collided with Elliott, causing him to crash, and surged ahead to secure a memorable victory, thus ushering Michael Jordan’s team into victory lane at Daytona International Speedway.

Jordan was the face of the December federal antitrust lawsuit that NASCAR settled on the ninth day of trial. The settlement changed the revenue-sharing model in the United States’ top motorsports series.

The victory marked a Daytona sweep for three team owners heavily involved in the trial. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in suing NASCAR, opened the weekend with a victory when Chandler Smith won the Truck Series opener on Friday night for Front Row Motorsports.

Richard Childress, who testified on behalf of 23XI and Front Row and was the subject of disparaging text messages by since-departed NASCAR chairman Steve Phelps, was the winning team owner Saturday when Austin Hill won.

Then came “The Great American Race” and Jordan and Hamlin, the two front-facing litigants got their first Daytona 500 victory. It was an early birthday present for Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday.

Former race winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano finished second and third as Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford each placed a driver on the podium. Elliott wound up fourth and sat dejected and in disbelief on the outside wall of the track after climbing from his car.