Michael Jordan wins Daytona 500 through Reddick, gets birthday ring at 63

Michael Jordan claimed his first Daytona 500 championship yesterday as owner of 23XI Racing. Tyler Reddick delivered the historic victory just one day before Jordan’s 63rd birthday. The dramatic final lap saw Chase Elliott crash while leading, leaving Reddick to collect the checkered flag.

Reddick Survives Chaos on Final Lap

Tyler Reddick navigated through massive wreckage in the final 100 feet to claim his first Daytona 500 title. Chase Elliott led on the final lap but crashed into the wall when Riley Herbst was turned into the front-stretch barrier. The Toyota driver from 23XI Racing became the 44th driver to win NASCAR’s greatest race.

It was an extraordinary achievement for Reddick, who suffered through a winless 2025 season. The breakthrough victory comes with co-owner Michael Jordan watching from victory lane, personally celebrating with his young driver.

Michael Jordan’s Historic NASCAR Moment

Michael Jordan, a legendary six-time NBA champion, now owns a piece of racing history. The NBA icon holds a 60% ownership stake in 23XI Racing and has invested between $35 million to $40 million into the organization. This victory represents the pinnacle of his NASCAR ownership journey.

Jordan carried Reddick’s son, Beau Reddick, into victory lane for the celebration. The moment encapsulated pure joy as one of sports’ greatest athletes experienced championship glory in a new discipline.

A Birthday Ring for the GOAT

Jordan told reporters in victory lane that he will receive a Daytona 500 championship ring as an early birthday gift. The basketball legend specifically noted he wears a size 13 ring, ensuring the custom-made jewelry will fit perfectly. He’s turning 63 years old tomorrow.

Detail	Information
Race	68th Daytona 500
Winner	Tyler Reddick, #45 Toyota
Team Owner	Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing
Key Moment	Final lap crash, Reddick passes Elliott

“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”

— Michael Jordan, 23XI Racing Co-Owner

The Championship Team Behind the Victory

23XI Racing co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin watched their organization achieve the ultimate goal. The team placed three cars in the top 10 at Daytona, demonstrating both competitive strength and strategic excellence. Jordan praised the team’s coordination and sacrifice on the final lap.

According to Jordan, four 23XI drivers worked collectively to support Reddick’s victory push. The teamwork paid off spectacularly, delivering the franchise’s first Daytona 500 championship in just its second full season.

What Does This Victory Mean for Michael Jordan’s Racing Future?

This Daytona 500 win validates Jordan’s significant investment in NASCAR ownership. The basketball legend’s competitive fire remains undimmed, and now he has tasted victory at the sport’s premier event. Can 23XI Racing build on this momentum throughout the 2026 season and compete for more championships?

Sources

• NASCAR.com – Official race recap and winner details from the 2026 Daytona 500
• Motorsport.com – Michael Jordan’s victory lane quotes and championship celebration
• ESPN Racing – Tyler Reddick’s final lap pass and race analysis