Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 in Thrilling Final Lap Battle

Tyler Reddick secured his first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday in a race that came down to the final moments at Daytona International Speedway. The 28-year-old driver, piloting the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR Hall of Famer Denny Hamlin, held his nerve through a chaotic final lap to claim NASCAR's most prestigious prize.

The victory represents a breakthrough moment for Reddick, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout his Cup Series career but had yet to capture a crown jewel event. Starting from the middle of the pack, Reddick methodically worked his way forward throughout the 500-mile race, positioning himself perfectly for the final push to the checkered flag.

The final lap provided all the drama expected from the Great American Race. Multiple cars were in contention as they approached the white flag, with Reddick finding himself in a heated battle for the lead. As the field bunched up coming out of turn four, several drivers made aggressive moves that nearly resulted in a multi-car accident.

Reddick managed to thread the needle through the chaos, taking the lead just as several cars behind him made contact. The resulting melee collected multiple contenders but left Reddick clear to take the checkered flag. His victory margin was just over a car length, making it one of the closest finishes in Daytona 500 history.

For 23XI Racing, this Daytona 500 triumph represents validation of their investment in the sport. The team, launched in 2021, has steadily built its program around Reddick and teammate Bubba Wallace. Jordan, who was present at the race, celebrated enthusiastically in victory lane, comparing the buzzer-beater nature of the win to his basketball career.

The victory also continues a remarkable run for Toyota in NASCAR's premier series. The manufacturer has now won three of the last five Daytona 500s, showcasing the strength of their engine program and aerodynamic package. Reddick's win sets up what promises to be an exciting 2026 Cup Series season, with the California native now firmly established as a championship contender.