Michael Jordan Celebrates Daytona 500 Victory as Tyler Reddick Wins in Jordan-Owned Car

Michael Jordan, six-time NBA champion and global icon, can now add another championship to his legendary resume: Daytona 500 winner. Tyler Reddick captured "The Great American Race" on Sunday with a thrilling last-lap pass at Daytona International Speedway, delivering Jordan and 23XI Racing their first Daytona 500 victory in dramatic fashion.

The moment sent Jordan into a frantic celebration that rivaled any of his basketball triumphs. The NBA Hall of Famer bear-hugged Reddick in Victory Lane before both men jointly hoisted the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy. Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, made it clear he wants his Daytona 500 ring sized at 13 for his birthday celebration.

"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 soaked in the historic moment.

Reddick's victory was nothing short of spectacular NASCAR theater. The 30-year-old from Corning, California, led just one lap the entire race – but it was the one that mattered most. His Toyota was part of a record-setting performance that saw 25 different drivers lead laps, a new Daytona 500 record that exemplified the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing.

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

The victory carries special significance for Reddick, who endured a challenging 2025 season that extended far beyond racing. The driver went winless last year while focusing primarily on his infant son, who was diagnosed with a chest tumor that affected his heart. Reddick opened 2025 with a runner-up finish at the Daytona 500, making Sunday's triumph – one position better – all the more meaningful.

Teammate Bubba Wallace, who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th, was visibly emotional as the checkered flag waved. Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace and offered words of encouragement, demonstrating the team owner's investment in both his drivers and the sport itself.

The victory snapped a 38-race losing streak for Reddick and marked his ninth Cup Series win. For Jordan and team co-owner Denny Hamlin, it represented the culmination of years of building 23XI Racing into a championship-caliber organization. Hamlin, who finished 31st in his bid to become just the third driver to win four Daytona 500s, had reminded his team before the race about their unique opportunity to bring joy to one of sports' greatest champions.

"You guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan," Hamlin had told the team. "You have that power and nobody else can do it."

Mission accomplished.