DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — On Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, Tyler Reddick secured a thrilling last-lap victory in NASCAR’s Daytona 500, awarding team co-owner Michael Jordan his first win in the iconic race. The dramatic finish saw Reddick overtake the leader in the closing moments, sparking a jubilant celebration with Jordan, who embraced the driver and lifted the Harley J. Earl trophy alongside him.
Jordan, the six-time NBA champion who will turn 63 this week, is set to receive a Daytona 500 ring as part of the celebration. He revealed in victory lane that he wears a size 13 ring.
It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,
Jordan said.
Team Owner Denny Hamlin Reflects on Team’s Drive and Dedication
Co-owner and driver Denny Hamlin, who finished 31st on Sunday while pursuing a rare fourth Daytona 500 triumph, emphasized the emotional weight carried by the 23XI Racing team. Before the race, Hamlin reminded employees of the joy they could bring to Jordan, inspiring the team to deliver their best performance based on their shared commitment.
He loves his race team,
Hamlin said.
There’s nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do and they took it to heart.
Reddick’s Memorable Only-Lap Lead Marks New Daytona Record
Although Reddick led just a single lap—the race’s final one—it was decisive, making him the 25th different driver to lead at least one lap in a Daytona 500, setting a record for the event. Reddick, driving a Toyota, described the race’s finish as chaotic but exhilarating.
Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,
Reddick said.
I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.
Personal Challenges and Triumph Fuel Reddick’s Victory
The 30-year-old from Corning, California, celebrated his ninth Cup Series win and his first since late 2024. After a winless previous season, during which his infant son battled a chest tumor affecting his heart, Reddick began this season strong with a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500 last year.
His victory snapped a 38-race drought, edging out one spot to claim the title and igniting celebrations among NASCAR stars, team owner Michael Jordan, and teammate Bubba Wallace.
Bubba Wallace’s Strong Effort Bolsters Team’s Day
Wallace, who led a race-high 40 laps, finished 10th but was emotionally moved by the outcome. Jordan comforted Wallace with a hug and brief words of encouragement following the race.
I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present,
Wallace said.
I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks. Led a lot of laps, lap leader, I believe. It was a good day for us, but damn. Try again next year.
Late-Race Collision Sets Stage for Dramatic Finish
Hamlin, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, was part of the final caution after a collision with teammate Christopher Bell nine laps from the end. This incident reset the field for a four-lap sprint to the finish, during which Chase Elliott briefly took the lead after Carson Hocevar was spun off the track.
With a crucial assist from teammate Riley Herbst, Reddick surged forward on the last lap, initiating contact with Elliott that caused Elliott’s crash and vaulted Reddick into the lead and eventual victory.
Reddick Reflects on Dream and Responsibility
Reddick expressed immense pride in driving for Jordan and Hamlin, recognizing their belief in him and the responsibility he carries to meet their expectations.
It’s stuff you dream of as a kid,
Reddick said.
Now, I definitely didn’t look into the future and know that I would drive for Michael Jordan. But to be able to have someone like Michael Jordan believe in me enough, someone like Denny Hamlin. I’m just trying to do my best to live on the promises that I made to them and vice versa.
Jordan’s Role in Legal Battle and NASCAR’s Revenue Changes
Michael Jordan played a pivotal role in a December federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR that was settled during its trial, resulting in changes to the sport’s revenue-sharing model. Jordan watched the race win from a suite overlooking the superspeedway, a venue owned by NASCAR’s founding France family, whom he had recently defeated in court.
NASCAR chairman Jim France, also named in the lawsuit, went to victory lane to congratulate the team on their triumph.
I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,
Jordan said of the victory.
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.
Team Owners Sweep Daytona Wins Amid Legal Tensions
The weekend showcased a rare sweep by team owners closely involved in the NASCAR antitrust case. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI Racing in the lawsuit, began the weekend with a Truck Series win thanks to Chandler Smith. Richard Childress, another testifying owner, celebrated a victory with Austin Hill on Saturday.
The weekend concluded with Jordan and Hamlin, the forefront litigants, combining to secure their first Daytona 500 triumph together.
All we do is win, Hamlin remarked when asked about the weekend’s cluster of victories, calling it a coincidence.
Diverse Manufacturers Shine on Podium as Elliott Reflects on Tough Finish
The podium featured drivers from Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano finishing second and third, respectively. Elliott ended the race in fourth place, visibly dejected as he sat beside the track after exiting his vehicle.
We ended up kind of getting gifted the lead … and then at that point in time, you’re just on defense. Man, that’s a really, really tough place to be, truthfully,
Elliott said.
Obviously looking back, you can run it through your mind 1,000 times, do you do something different?
