In a finish that will be replayed for decades, Tyler Reddick surged through a chaotic final lap to become the 2026 Daytona 500 winner, delivering a long-awaited first Harley J. Earl Trophy to Michael Jordan and the 23XI Racing team. The 68th running of The Great American Race ended under a cloud of tire smoke and sparks as Reddick successfully navigated a multi-car melee to beat Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to the line by a razor-thin 0.308 seconds.

A Historic Triumph for 23XI Racing

For NBA legend Michael Jordan, the victory at Daytona International Speedway offered a familiar taste of glory. Standing in Victory Lane, the six-time NBA champion was visibly emotional, embracing Reddick and co-owner Denny Hamlin. "It feels like I won a championship," Jordan told reporters, clutching the trophy. "But until I get my ring, I won't even know. This is unbelievable."

The win marks a monumental milestone for Michael Jordan 23XI Racing, cementing the organization's status as a powerhouse in the NASCAR Cup Series. After a tumultuous offseason dominated by headlines regarding the team's antitrust settlement with NASCAR, the focus shifted back to the track in the best way possible. For Reddick, the triumph snapped a stinging 38-race winless streak dating back to October 2024, redeeming a difficult 2025 season where he went without a trip to Victory Lane.

The Chaos of the Final Lap

The Daytona 500 results today will show Reddick leading only one lap—the most important one. The final sequence began with Spire Motorsports' Carson Hocevar leading the field as the white flag waved. However, the dynamics shifted instantly when Hocevar spun in Turn 1 after an aggressive block, scattering the lead pack. Chase Elliott emerged from the scramble with the lead, looking poised to capture his first Daytona 500.

As the field roared down the backstretch, Reddick found a dancing partner in teammate Riley Herbst. Herbst, driving the third 23XI entry, delivered a massive, bumper-jarring shove that propelled Reddick's No. 45 Toyota Camry to the outside of Elliott entering Turn 3. The move was decisive. As Elliott attempted to defend, momentum carried Reddick past. Behind them, contact between Herbst and Elliott ignited a crash that collected several contenders, freezing the field as Reddick crossed the stripe.

Reddick's Redemption

"I didn't know if I'd ever win this race," Reddick admitted post-race, his voice raspy from screaming over the radio. "It's surreal. My son asked me before we left, 'Are you finally going to win this race?' Something about today just felt right." The victory validates Reddick's reputation as one of the sport's most versatile talents, adding a superspeedway crown jewel to his resume.

Daytona International Speedway Highlights

The 68th Daytona 500 was a race of attrition and strategy. The event featured a record-breaking 25 different leaders and was punctuated by the infamous "Big One" on Lap 124, which eliminated pre-race favorites including William Byron and Christopher Bell. Fuel strategy also played a critical role, with Michael McDowell staying out late in the final stage hoping for a caution that came just in time to set up the final shootout.

While Reddick celebrated, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. secured a runner-up finish, proving once again his prowess on superspeedways. Joey Logano crossed the line in third, followed by a heartbroken Chase Elliott in fourth and Brad Keselowski rounding out the top five. The NASCAR photo finish 2026 will be remembered not just for the margin of victory, but for the sheer intensity of the final corners.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for 23XI

This victory sets a powerful tone for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. With the legal battles in the rearview mirror and the biggest trophy in the sport now in their cabinet, 23XI Racing has sent a clear message to the garage. The "evergreen charters" secured in their settlement ensure the team's long-term future, but it is this performance on the high banks of Daytona that defines their present.

For Tyler Reddick NASCAR news followers, this win is a signal that the No. 45 team is back in championship form. As the confetti settles in Florida, the circuit heads West, but for tonight, Michael Jordan and his team are the kings of the racing world.