Tyler Reddick captured his first Daytona 500 on Sunday, driving the 23XI Racing Toyota co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The victory came dramatically as Reddick surged past Chase Elliott on the final lap, avoiding a massive crash that eliminated several contenders.

Reddick led just one lap all day, the one that mattered most: the checkered flag. “Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” Reddick said. “I never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.”

Jordan, turning 63 this week, shared a jubilant moment with Reddick in victory lane, giving him a bear hug and raising the Harley J. Earl Trophy together. “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,” Jordan said. The Hall of Famer will receive a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday.

The race was full of chaos. Early leaders like Bubba Wallace, who dominated Stage 2, and Carson Hocevar, who led on the final lap, were caught in crashes. Chase Elliott, poised to win, hit the outside wall after contact from Riley Herbst, clearing the path for Reddick’s dramatic finish.

Reddick navigated through the carnage, passing Zane Smith and Elliott in the final corners to claim victory, marking a historic win for 23XI Racing and a storybook start to the 2026 NASCAR season.

Reddick’s triumph continues the trend of Daytona 500 winners leading a few laps yet prevailing dramatically. He joins a list including Michael McDowell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Austin Cindric in recent years.

Jordan’s presence in victory lane and his role as team co-owner highlighted the growing impact of 23XI Racing in NASCAR. The team also benefits from Hamlin’s experience, creating a powerhouse pairing that achieved one of motorsports’ most coveted prizes on the sport’s biggest stage.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever win this race; it’s surreal, honestly,” Reddick said, reflecting on a final lap full of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck that paid off ultimately.