Tyler Reddick’s last-lap surge at the 2026 Daytona 500 delivered more than just a thrilling finish. It handed Michael Jordan, one of the most celebrated figures in sports, a new kind of victory. Known worldwide for winning six NBA championships, Jordan now has a Daytona 500 triumph to add to his legacy as a team owner, after Reddick’s dramatic move in the closing moments secured the win for 23XI Racing.
The race, often called “The Great American Race,” lived up to its reputation with an unpredictable and fast-changing final lap. Reddick led only once all day, but it came at the perfect moment. With help from teammate Riley Herbst, he powered past Chase Elliott in the final stretch and crossed the finish line ahead of a chaotic pack behind him. The scene sparked instant celebration, with Jordan embracing Reddick in victory lane as the team lifted the Harley J. Earl Trophy together.
For Jordan, who turns 63 this week, the moment felt similar to the championship triumphs he experienced on the basketball court. He joked about receiving a winner’s ring as a birthday gift and spoke about the emotion of watching his team succeed. According to co-owner Denny Hamlin, Jordan finds deep joy in seeing the drivers and crew perform at their best. That passion has helped shape the culture inside 23XI Racing, where the idea of making the legendary owner proud has become a motivating force.
Reddick’s journey to this victory added depth to the story. The 30-year-old driver from California entered the race without a win in the previous season and with personal challenges behind him. His young son had faced a serious health issue, and Reddick spent much of the year focused on family. Despite those distractions, he opened the 2025 season with a second-place finish at Daytona and carried that experience forward into 2026. His win snapped a long dry spell and marked the biggest moment of his racing career.
The race itself was packed with drama. A record number of drivers took turns leading, and the field stayed tightly grouped for long stretches. Late cautions and a multi-car crash added tension as the laps wound down. With just seconds remaining, a spin ahead created an opening. Reddick seized the opportunity, accelerating from third place to the front in a matter of moments. Elliott, who had appeared poised for victory, finished fourth after contact sent him off line.
The day held mixed emotions for the 23XI team. Bubba Wallace led 40 laps and looked strong throughout, only to finish tenth. He was emotional afterward but still shared in the excitement of the team’s achievement, congratulating Jordan and Reddick while expressing hope for another chance next year.
The win also came at a time when the sport itself is adjusting to change. A recently settled legal dispute involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR reshaped aspects of the business side of the series. Seeing Jordan celebrate alongside NASCAR leadership in victory lane suggested a fresh sense of cooperation moving forward.
For fans, the race delivered exactly what they hope for each year: speed, uncertainty, and a finish no one could predict. For Reddick, it was a dream realized. For Jordan, it was proof that the competitive fire that defined his playing career still burns strong in a new arena.
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