The 2026 Daytona 500, the opener of the NASCAR Cup Series season, drew 7,489,000 viewers on FOX, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year’s 6,761,000 viewers. This surge reflects heightened interest and excitement around the event, which took place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
During the broadcast, the race’s peak audience reached 9,154,000 viewers between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. ET. It also became the most-watched Daytona 500 since 2023, which attracted 8,173,000 viewers. Fans were treated to an intense race filled with dramatic moments, notably a chaotic final lap involving multiple crashes and an unexpected winner, Tyler Reddick.
Unforgettable Finish as Tyler Reddick Takes Victory
The 2026 race concluded with a remarkable and unpredictable finish. Despite not leading any laps during the race, Tyler Reddick crossed the finish line first amid two major wrecks on the final lap. His victory generated disbelief and excitement among fans and commentators alike.
In the post-race press conference, Reddick expressed his initial uncertainty about winning, revealing how he didn’t immediately realize he was the victor due to the confusion in the closing moments.
“Well, it wasn’t until I was basically back around in front of the speedway on the cool-down lap when someone finally said, yes, you won the race, because obviously a number of these races have played out where — I mean, I crossed the start-finish line first, but in the moment, I’m not looking for the flashing yellow lights or the green light on the fence, so I’m just, Did I win? Did I win? Are you sure we won?”
Reddick said.
Reddick also shared his lifelong connection to the race and the significance of his achievement:
“I watched a lot of NASCAR racing growing up, but I would never miss a Daytona 500 as a little kid growing up out in California, sitting with my family on Sunday watching this race. I — again, dreamed of one day just having an opportunity to run in this race. I’ve had — this is my eighth opportunity to run this race, I believe, and it wasn’t the smoothest day, but when it mattered at the end, we did a really good job of being in the mix.”
FOX Highlights Strong Broadcast Performance
FOX Sports celebrated the race’s broadcast success as the Daytona 500 outperformed expectations and dominated viewership across broadcast and cable during its time slot. The network’s official public relations account posted that the event outscored every non-prime Winter Olympics window, confirming its prominence among sports broadcasts that weekend.
🚨 Ratings slam dunk! FOX Sports delivered 7,489,000 viewers for Sunday’s Daytona 500, an +11% jump over 2025 (6,761,000)! 🏁▪️Outscored every non-prime Winter Olympics window on broadcast and cable▪️Topped all broadcast and cable networks in viewership during the race from…
FOX Sports PR.
Michael Jordan Celebrates Daytona 500 Win with 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick races for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. After the victory, Jordan expressed his elation over being part of a Daytona 500 champion team, highlighting the strong teamwork and strategy that led to the win.
“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,”
Jordan remarked.
“We had four guys that were really fighting, helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive. … We hung in there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
Looking Ahead: Reddick’s Rising Prospects and Upcoming Race
Reddick’s Daytona 500 win comes after a season in 2025 without any victories, positioning him as a strong contender early in the 2026 Chase standings. His performance at Daytona could be a turning point as he seeks his second regular-season title, depending on consistency throughout the year.
The NASCAR Cup Series now shifts its focus to the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, scheduled for Sunday. This upcoming race will be another critical opportunity for Reddick and other drivers to gain points and maintain momentum in the Chase.
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