Michael Jordan Celebrates Daytona 500 Victory as Tyler Reddick Wins for 23XI Racing
In a thrilling conclusion to NASCAR's season opener, Tyler Reddick secured the Daytona 500 victory on February 15, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The win came in a car owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, marking a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.
A Dramatic Finish and Emotional Celebration
Reddick led only one lap—the final one—after a last-lap surge caused Chase Elliott to crash, allowing him to sail past to the checkered flag. The victory lane celebration was electric, with Jordan embracing Reddick in a bear hug and jointly lifting the Harley J. Earl Trophy. Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, joked about receiving a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday, noting he wears a size 13.
"Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness," Reddick said, adding he had lost his voice from screaming. "Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion." Jordan echoed the sentiment, stating, "It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know."
Team Dynamics and Broader Implications
The celebration included teammate Bubba Wallace, who dominated much of the race but finished 10th. Jordan offered words of encouragement to Wallace, who expressed mixed emotions: "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." Hamlin, who finished 31st, was also present, falling short in his bid for a fourth Daytona 500 win.
This victory holds added significance as Jordan was a key figure in a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, settled in December. The settlement reshaped the revenue-sharing model in the sport. Jordan watched the race from a suite overlooking the track, built by the France family he had recently challenged in court. "I can't even believe it. It was so gratifying," Jordan remarked, praising his team's strategy and resilience.
Weekend Sweep for Litigants and Race Results
The Daytona 500 win completed a sweep for team owners involved in the lawsuit. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in suing NASCAR, saw Chandler Smith win the Truck Series opener on Friday. Richard Childress, who testified for the plaintiffs, celebrated Austin Hill's win on Saturday. In the Daytona 500, former winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano finished second and third, with Elliott placing fourth after the crash.
Elliott reflected on the tough finish: "We ended up kind of getting gifted the lead ... and then at that point in time, you're just on defense. Man, that's a really, really tough place to be." He added that blocking Reddick might have caused a crash, emphasizing the strategic challenges of the race.
The event showcased competitive diversity, with Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford each placing a driver on the podium, highlighting the intense rivalry and skill in NASCAR's premier series.
