Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 in Michael Jordan-Owned Car

Tyler Reddick delivered the ultimate birthday gift to Michael Jordan, winning the Daytona 500 on Sunday with a spectacular last-lap pass that sent the basketball legend into a frantic celebration at Daytona International Speedway.

The 30-year-old driver from Corning, California, piloted his 23XI Racing Toyota to victory in "The Great American Race," leading only one lap but making it count when it mattered most. The win marked Reddick's ninth Cup Series victory and first since late in the 2024 season, snapping a 38-race losing streak in dramatic fashion.

Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, will receive a Daytona 500 championship ring for his birthday and made it clear in Victory Lane that he wears a size 13. The six-time NBA champion bear-hugged Reddick after the victory and jointly hoisted the Harley J. Earl Trophy with his driver.

"It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know," Jordan said, his excitement palpable as he celebrated his first major victory as a NASCAR team owner.

The moment represented the culmination of 23XI Racing's journey since Jordan co-founded the team with NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin. Hamlin, who finished 31st in his own bid to become just the third driver in history to win four Daytona 500s, had reminded his team of their unique responsibility before the race.

"You guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan," Hamlin told the team. "There's nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do."

Reddick's victory came after what many called "true Daytona madness," with 25 different drivers leading laps throughout the race – a new Daytona 500 record. The chaotic nature of superspeedway racing was on full display, but Reddick remained composed when it mattered most.

"Just incredible how it all played out," Reddick said, his voice already hoarse from screaming. "Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion."

The win carries special significance for Reddick, who had a challenging 2025 season while focusing on his infant son, who was found to have a tumor in his chest that affected his heart. He opened last year with a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500, making Sunday's victory even more meaningful.

Jordan's presence in Victory Lane symbolized the growing intersection of mainstream sports and NASCAR, with the basketball icon's competitive fire translating seamlessly to his role as a team owner. The victory validates 23XI Racing's investment in the sport and establishes them as a legitimate championship contender going forward.