On Sunday afternoon at Daytona, Tyler Reddick secured a stunning victory in the 68th Daytona 500, driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing. His triumph marked the first Great American Race win for team co-owner Michael Jordan, delivering a dramatic and unexpected finish in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.
A Last-Lap Duel Decides the Champion
The closing moments featured an intense battle between Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott, highlighted by strategic moves and split-second decisions. Following a late caution triggered by a collision involving Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell with nine laps remaining, the race restarted for a four-lap dash to the finish, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion.
Major Crashes and Stage Highlights
The race endured multiple large-scale accidents that thinned the field, including a significant multi-car pileup known as “The Big One” in Stage 2. This crash occurred near lap 124 after Justin Allgaier attempted a late block on Denny Hamlin, resulting in the elimination of strong competitors such as Alex Bowman, Todd Gilliland, and promising rookie Connor Zilisch.
- Stage 1: Zane Smith captured his first-ever Cup Series stage victory by employing a fuel-saving approach to fend off Ford drivers.
- The Big One (Lap 124): The 20-car wreck reshaped the race. Justin Allgaier’s defensive maneuver set off the chain reaction that impacted many contenders.
- Stage 2: Ryan Blaney emerged as the stage winner after navigating through the chaos.
Key Moments from the Race
- Kyle Busch’s Struggles Continue: Starting from the pole, Busch led early but could not maintain position, extending his winless record at the Daytona 500 to 0-for-20.
- Brad Keselowski’s Gritty Performance: Racing despite a broken femur suffered during the off-season, Keselowski impressively finished fifth, showing remarkable determination by competing without a relief driver.
- Chevrolet’s New Body Design Tested: The updated, sleeker Chevrolet body endured its first major challenge amid the mid-race incidents, with mixed outcomes for several top Chevy drivers.
Looking Toward the Next Race on the West Coast
By claiming the Daytona 500 trophy, Tyler Reddick has become the first driver to secure a spot in the 2026 NASCAR Playoffs. The series now shifts focus to Southern California for its upcoming event.
- Upcoming Race: AutoTrader 400
- Location: Fontana, California
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
Reddick’s victory not only cements him as a strong contender for the season but also invigorates 23XI Racing, driven by the historic partnership of Michael Jordan. This win represents a milestone for the team and adds fresh excitement to the early stages of the NASCAR season.
“The race was a classic Daytona war of attrition, culminating in a chaotic final lap that saw the lead change hands just yards from the checkered flag.” ?John Raoux, AP Photographer
