Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 | Michael Jordan’s First NASCAR Win

The 2026 Daytona 500 concluded in dramatic fashion, with Tyler Reddick securing the win on the final lap after a chaotic crash reshaped the race. Reddick, driving the #45 Toyota, crossed the finish line after a last-lap pass of Chase Elliott, a move aided by a push from teammate Riley Herbst.

A Final Lap for the Ages

The closing moments of the race were marked by intense competition and a multi-car accident. Carson Hocevar had been leading when he was turned, opening the door for Chase Elliott, who received a push from Zane Smith. Reddick, with a crucial assist from Herbst, then surged ahead, passing Elliott just before the exit of Turn 4. The ensuing scramble led to a four-wide battle and a collision between Herbst and Brad Keselowski, triggering a significant crash.

A Victory for 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan

Reddick’s win marks a monumental achievement for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The victory comes just two days before Jordan’s 63rd birthday, adding a special significance to the triumph. Jordan himself expressed the magnitude of the win, stating it felt like winning a championship.

The finishing order saw Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Take second place, finishing against the outside wall, while Joey Logano crossed the line backwards in third. Chase Elliott finished fourth, and Brad Keselowski secured fifth place. Zane Smith, Chris Buescher, Riley Herbst, Josh Berry, and Bubba Wallace completed the top ten, with all three full-time 23XI cars finishing inside the top ten.

Reddick Reflects on the Win

Reddick acknowledged the challenges faced by his team in the past year, particularly as his newborn baby battled health issues. He emphasized the expectation to win when driving for Michael Jordan and expressed pride in the team’s resilience and hard work during the off-season. He also shared a touching moment, recalling his son’s question before the race: “Are you finally going to win this race?”

Earlier Stages of the Race

The race began with Busch leading from the pole position, aggressively defending his position. Nemechek moved into the lead before a caution was triggered by an incident involving BJ McLeod, Allgaier, and Mears, also impacting William Byron. Stage 1 was ultimately won by Zane Smith, followed by Cindric, Blaney, Hocevar, and Buescher.

Stage 2 saw similar fuel-saving strategies, with rookie Connor Zilisch briefly appearing near the front before being involved in a multi-car crash alongside Chastain, Ware, Briscoe, and A. Dillon. Wallace led the stage to completion.

Final Stage and Restart

The final stage featured a tightly packed field of 30 cars, with Wallace and other Toyota drivers leading early on. A late-race caution was prompted by a collision involving Hamlin, Heim, and Bell. McDowell led the restart, but the ensuing chaos on the final lap ultimately paved the way for Reddick’s victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2026 Daytona 500?

Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500.

Which team owns Tyler Reddick’s car?

Tyler Reddick drives for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

What happened on the final lap of the race?

A crash involving Riley Herbst and Brad Keselowski occurred on the final lap, allowing Tyler Reddick to pass Chase Elliott and win the race.

As the dust settles on this thrilling Daytona 500, what do you think will be the long-term impact of this win for Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing?