In a finish that will be etched into NASCAR lore, Tyler Reddick claimed his first career Daytona 500 victory on February 15, 2026. The win marks a historic milestone for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time 500 winner Denny Hamlin, coming just months after a high-stakes legal battle with the sport.
A Chaotic Final Lap
The 68th running of “The Great American Race” lived up to its reputation for unpredictability. The final lap was a whirlwind of metal and smoke:
- The Lead Change: Entering the final lap, Carson Hocevar held the lead but was turned in a multi-car collision.
- The Winning Move: Chase Elliott inherited the lead, but Reddick, drafting with a powerful push from 23XI teammate Riley Herbst, surged past Elliott on the inside off the final turn.
- The “Big One” at the Line: As Reddick crossed the finish line unscathed, a massive wreck erupted behind him involving Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., leaving several top-five finishers sliding across the line in “smoking heaps.”
2026 Daytona 500 Top 5 Results
| Finish | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing |
| 2nd | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | HYAK Motorsports |
| 3rd | Joey Logano | Team Penske |
| 4th | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 5th | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing |
“Like Winning a Championship”
For Michael Jordan, the victory was deeply personal. Celebrating in Victory Lane just two days before his 63rd birthday, Jordan compared the triumph to his six NBA titles.
“I can’t even believe it. It’s so gratifying… It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.” — Michael Jordan
The win is particularly poignant for Reddick, who endured a winless 2025 season while his family navigated health challenges involving his newborn son. “I’m just speechless,” Reddick said. “Last year was really hard for all of us… it’s surreal.”
Vindicated After Legal Turmoil
The victory serves as a powerful statement following 23XI Racing’s antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
- The Conflict: 23XI and Front Row Motorsports sued NASCAR in 2024 over the “monopolistic” nature of the charter system.
- The Resolution: The case was settled in December 2025, resulting in “evergreen” (permanent) charters for the teams—a massive structural change Jordan and Hamlin fought to achieve.
- The Impact: Winning the sport’s biggest race in the very first event after the settlement reinforces 23XI’s status as a powerhouse that can take on the establishment both in court and on the track.
Would you like me to look into the specific details of the charter settlement or the updated 2026 NASCAR Cup Series standings?