Tyler Reddick Wins First Daytona 500, Making History for 23XI Racing

Tyler Reddick successfully won the 2026 Daytona 500, marking his first victory in this prestigious racing event and history for Michael Jordan's Racing team.

Tyler Reddick Wins First Daytona 500, Making History for 23XI Racing
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Tyler Reddick successfully won the 2026 Daytona 500, marking his first victory in this prestigious racing event and history for Michael Jordan's Racing team. (X/@TylerReddick)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Tyler Reddick made history by winning the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

This victory was not only Reddick's first in the prestigious race, but also the first Daytona 500 victory for the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan.

This achievement ended Reddick's long winless streak of 38 races, with his last podium finish coming in October 2024 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"Just incredible how it all played out," Reddick said.

"Just true Daytona madness. I've already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion."

This dramatic victory also marked the fourth time in Daytona 500 history that the winner led only on the final lap of the race.

For Michael Jordan, this victory was a special early birthday present, as he would have turned 63 on Tuesday after the race.

Tyler Reddick's Dramatic Victory in the 2026 Daytona 500

The 2026 Daytona 500 ended in a final lap filled with chaos and drama.

An incident occurred after the white flag, involving several cars and drastically changing the dynamics of the race.

Race leader Carson Hocevar spun, unexpectedly opening up an opening for other drivers. Reddick, who was in third place at the time, managed to avoid the incident.

With a significant push from his 23XI Racing teammate, Riley Herbst, Reddick was able to pass Chase Elliott in the final corner.

As Reddick raced toward the finish line, another accident occurred behind him, involving Elliott and several other drivers, sealing his victory.

  • 1. Tyler Reddick (No. 45)
  • 2. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 47)
  • 3. Joey Logano (No. 22)
  • 4. Chase Elliott (No. 9)
  • 5. Brad Keselowski (No. 6)

23XI Racing Michael Jordan's Role in NASCAR

Tyler Reddick's victory in the Daytona 500 marked a significant milestone for the 23XI Racing team and becomes the first Daytona 500 victory for the team founded by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

For Michael Jordan, this victory marked his first in NASCAR's most prestigious race as a team owner.

Michael Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, will get a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday and declared in Victory Lane that he wears a size 13.

"It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know," Jordan said.

The 23XI Racing team also recorded another significant achievement after they placed all three of their cars in the top 10.

Tyler Reddick: A Young Driver's Brilliant Career

Tyler George Reddick, born January 11, 1996, is an American professional stock car racing driver.

He races the No. 45 Toyota Camry for the 23XI Racing team, with Billy Scott as his crew chief.Reddick began his racing career at the age of four, competing in Outlaw Karts.

He progressed to mini sprints, midgets, dirt late models, and sprint cars. He holds several age-related records, including being the youngest driver to win the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

His notable accomplishments include two consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in 2018 and 2019.

In 2018, Reddick set a NASCAR record at Daytona for the closest finish in NASCAR Xfinity Series history, by 0.0004 seconds.

He is also the first driver to win back-to-back Xfinity Series championships with different teams.

In the NASCAR Cup Series, Reddick is the 2024 Regular Season Champion and has earned 9 career wins, including his maiden victory at the 2026 Daytona 500.

He also made his first Championship 4 appearance in NASCAR's premier series in 2024 and has three wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.