Michael Jordan, the basketball legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, enjoyed a moment few could have predicted: celebrating a Daytona 500 victory at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. On 15 February 2026, Tyler Reddick delivered a thrilling last-lap win in the 68th NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, giving Jordan and his team their first triumph in “The Great American Race.”
This remarkable result not only marked a huge milestone for Reddick’s career but also brought immense joy to Jordan, who has long pursued success off the basketball court as a team owner.
🏆 Historic Victory for 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick, driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing — co-owned by Michael Jordan and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin — won the Daytona 500 in dramatic fashion. Reddick led only the final lap of the race before sweeping past the competition to take the checkered flag in one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable finishes.
The victory was especially meaningful:
- It was 23XI Racing’s first Daytona 500 win.
- Reddick’s triumph came after a winless 2025 season, making this success a major comeback moment.
- The finish also set a new record, with Reddick becoming the 25th different driver to lead a lap and win the race.
🎉 Jordan’s Celebration in Victory Lane
As Reddick crossed the line, Michael Jordan was right there in Victory Lane, visibly ecstatic. Cameras captured Jordan sharing an embrace with Reddick before the pair lifted the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy together — a symbolic moment blending NASCAR glory with Jordan’s legacy of championship excellence.
Jordan, who will turn 63 shortly after the race, remarked after the celebrations:
“It feels like I won a championship. I’m ecstatic — until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
The comment drew applause from fans and media alike, as Jordan likened the win to one of his iconic NBA Finals championships.
🏎️ A Story of Perseverance
The Daytona 500 victory was not just a racing milestone — it was also a personal one for Reddick. The driver had faced an emotionally difficult 2025 when his infant son required life-saving surgery for a tumor in his chest. Months of support from family and the NASCAR community made Sunday’s celebration especially poignant.
Reddick spoke movingly about the win and the support of his team owners, calling it a true highlight of his racing career.
📊 What This Means for NASCAR
This Daytona 500 win has broader implications for 23XI Racing and NASCAR:
- It solidifies Jordan’s presence in motorsports and showcases that elite athletic leadership can transcend sports.
- It provides momentum early in the NASCAR season for the team and its drivers.
- It underscores the growing competitiveness of new generation racing teams.
For fans, the image of Jordan — a global sports icon — celebrating in Victory Lane with Reddick will be one of the defining memories of the 2026 NASCAR season.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on verified reports and official race coverage of the 2026 Daytona 500. Race results and quotes are drawn from publicly available news sources and may be updated as additional official statements are released.