Tyler Reddick takes Daytona 500 victory in car owned by Michael Jordan

Driving a Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick remarkably led only the final lap of Sunday's race to claim the title SportUS SportTyler Reddick takes Daytona 500 victory in car owned by Michael JordanDriving a Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick remarkably led only the final lap of Sunday's race to claim the titleJenna Fryer Monday 16 February 2026 00:27 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverTyler Reddick wins Daytona 500 in chaotic finishYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreTyler Reddick secured a dramatic victory at the Daytona 500, clinching NASCAR's season opener in a car co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan. The win came after rival Chase Elliott crashed while battling Reddick for the lead.Driving a Toyota for 23XI Racing, Reddick remarkably led only the final lap of Sunday's race to claim the title. This marks a significant achievement for the team, a joint venture between NBA Hall of Famer Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.A jubilant Reddick, the 25th different driver to lead a lap – a new Daytona 500 record – expressed disbelief. "Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness," he said. "I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion."Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, met Reddick in victory lane for a bear hug before they jointly hoisted the prestigious Harley J. Earl trophy. The basketball icon, revealing he wears a size 13, will receive a Daytona 500 ring as a birthday gift.Reddick, a 30-year-old from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and first time since late in the 2024 season. (AP Photo/John Raoux)“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know,” Jordan said.Reddick, a 30-year-old from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and first time since late in the 2024 season. Winless last year, Reddick was primarily focused on his infant son, who was found to have a tumor in his chest that affected his heart. Reddick opened last year with a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500.He snapped the 38-race losing streak by finishing one place higher Sunday and winning to start a celebration that included multiple stars of NASCAR. Reddick is teammates with Bubba Wallace, who went to victory lane in tears after leading a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th.Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace from behind and spoke closely into Wallace's ear in a brief speech of encouragement.“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,” Wallace said. “I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks.“Led a lot of laps, lap leader, I believe. It was a good day for us, but damn. Try again next year.”Hamlin was also in victory lane after finishing 31st and falling short in his bid to become the third four-time Daytona 500 winner.Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, was involved in the final caution when he and teammate Christopher Bell collided with nine laps remaining. It set up the final push to the finish over the final four laps.Elliott had control on the final lap after leader Carson Hocevar was spun off the track and it appeared the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott would finally win his first Daytona 500.Instead, Reddick made a huge surge with an assist from teammate Riley Herbst. He hit Elliott and sailed past to give Jordan a victory in NASCAR's biggest event of the year.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.Jordan watched the win from a suite overlooking the superspeedway built by the France family — NASCAR founders and private owners — he just beat in federal court. NASCAR chairman Jim France, who was personally a defendant in the suit, went to victory lane to congratulate the winners.“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,” Jordan said of the victory. “You never know how these races are going to end. You just tr