Michael Jordan, the legendary six-time NBA champion, added another remarkable achievement to his already storied career this past Sunday, February 16, 2026. But this time, the celebration wasn’t on the hardwood—it was on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, where his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, captured its first-ever Daytona 500 victory. The win, delivered by driver Tyler Reddick after a wild, last-lap dash, sent Jordan—and much of the motorsports world—into a frenzy of excitement and reflection.
For Jordan, who turns 63 this Tuesday, the Daytona 500 win felt like a championship ring on par with any of his NBA triumphs. "It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know," Jordan told Fox Sports from victory lane, his voice nearly lost in the roar of celebration and confetti. The victory, coming just days before his birthday, was a gift years in the making for the basketball icon-turned-NASCAR owner.
Tyler Reddick, the man behind the wheel of the No. 45 Toyota, pulled off what can only be described as true Daytona madness. Reddick led just one lap—the final one—becoming the 25th different driver to lead a lap in the race, setting a new record and marking only the fourth time in Daytona 500 history that the winner didn’t lead until the last possible moment. "Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness," Reddick said, his voice hoarse from hours of screaming and celebration. "I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion."
The road to this victory wasn’t exactly smooth for Reddick or 23XI Racing. Entering the race on a 38-race winless streak, Reddick hadn’t seen victory lane since late in the 2024 Cup Series season. Off the track, Reddick grappled with personal challenges, focusing much of the previous year on his infant son, Beau, who was diagnosed with a tumor in his chest that affected his heart. Despite these challenges, Reddick opened last year’s Daytona 500 with a runner-up finish and now, just one year later, found himself hoisting the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy alongside Jordan.
The final lap at Daytona was nothing short of chaos. Carson Hocevar led at the white flag but spun out, opening the door for a three-way battle between Chase Elliott, Zane Smith, and Reddick. With nerves of steel, Reddick made two critical passes and managed to outrun a collision behind him, crossing the finish line first and igniting a celebration that will be remembered for years. The win was Reddick’s ninth in the Cup Series and his first since 2024, but perhaps more importantly, it was the one that finally brought the Daytona 500 trophy to 23XI Racing.
Jordan’s reaction was pure, unfiltered joy. Cameras captured the NBA Hall of Famer bear-hugging Reddick in victory lane, nearly lifting the driver off his feet before both jointly hoisted the Harley J. Earl Trophy, confetti swirling all around. Jordan’s exuberance spilled over to everyone in sight—high-fives, hugs, and laughter filled the air. "I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying," Jordan said, reflecting on the team’s perseverance. "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."
Even in the midst of the euphoria, Jordan’s passion for his race team was unmistakable. Denny Hamlin, the team’s co-owner and veteran NASCAR driver, emphasized just how much the victory meant to Jordan and the entire organization. "He loves his race team," Hamlin told reporters. "I was like, ‘You know, you guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan. You have that power and nobody else can do it.’ There’s nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do, and they took it to heart." Hamlin, who finished 31st in his own bid to become just the third driver in history to win four Daytona 500s, was all smiles as he watched his co-owner soak in the moment.
Reddick, meanwhile, was quick to acknowledge the faith that both Jordan and Hamlin had placed in him, especially during the tough stretches. "I’m just trying to do my best to live on the promises that I made to them and vice versa," Reddick said. The gratitude flowed both ways, as the entire 23XI Racing organization celebrated not just a race win, but the culmination of years of teamwork, belief, and resilience.
The post-race festivities weren’t without their viral moments. Jordan, swept up in the excitement, was seen bear-hugging Reddick and then briefly placing his hands on and pinching the lower back of Reddick’s young son, Beau. Some fans online found the gesture inappropriate, but those close to the team quickly pointed out the strong bond Jordan shares with Beau, having celebrated with the youngster on several occasions. Reddick himself had previously described Jordan as a family friend, underscoring the playful and familial atmosphere within the 23XI Racing camp.
As the confetti settled and the trophy was secured, the magnitude of the moment was not lost on anyone. Veteran driver Bubba Wallace, who also drives for 23XI Racing, used the celebration as an opportunity to wish Jordan a happy birthday. "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, his own disappointment at coming up short in the race taking a back seat to the historic win for the team.
For Michael Jordan, the Daytona 500 victory is more than just another notch on an already crowded belt of accolades—it’s a testament to his relentless drive, his ability to inspire those around him, and his willingness to embrace new challenges long after his basketball days ended. As he awaits his official Daytona 500 ring—size 13, for those keeping track—Jordan and the entire 23XI Racing team can bask in the glow of a hard-fought, history-making triumph.
With the 2026 NASCAR season now officially underway and the world still buzzing from Sunday’s wild finish, one thing is certain: Michael Jordan’s competitive fire burns as brightly as ever, no matter the sport. The racing world will be watching closely to see what he and his team do next.