Tyler Reddick’s Daytona 500 Triumph: A Latest Era for 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick secured a dramatic victory at the 2026 Daytona 500, passing Chase Elliott on the final lap amidst a chaotic, multi-car crash. The win marks a historic moment for both Reddick and 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
A Last-Lap Battle for the Ages
The final lap of the Daytona 500 was a whirlwind of action. Carson Hocevar initially led, but a crash took him out of contention. Chase Elliott surged ahead with a push from Zane Smith, appearing poised to win. However, Reddick, with a crucial push from teammate Riley Herbst, made a daring move to pass Elliott exiting Turn 4. A subsequent collision involving Riley Herbst and Brad Keselowski triggered a massive wreck, sealing Reddick’s win.
Remarkably, Reddick led only the final lap of the race, continuing a recent trend of Daytona 500 winners who haven’t dominated throughout the event. Over the last six Daytona 500s, no winner has led more than 21 laps.
Michael Jordan’s Championship Moment
The victory holds special significance for Michael Jordan, who was visibly elated in Victory Lane. This is the first Daytona 500 win for 23XI Racing, and Jordan expressed that the feeling was akin to winning an NBA championship. The win comes after a public lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR earlier in the season.
Reddick’s Personal Journey to Victory Lane
Reddick’s win is particularly poignant given his personal challenges. He acknowledged a difficult 2025 season, during which his newborn baby faced health issues. He expressed surprise and gratitude, noting that his son had asked him before the race if he would finally win.
The Fallout from the Final Lap Crash
The dramatic finish saw several drivers impacted by the final-lap wreck. Chase Elliott finished fourth, visibly disappointed after leading on the final turn. Joey Logano crossed the finish line backwards in third, and Brad Keselowski finished fifth. The top ten was rounded out by Smith, Buescher, Herbst, Berry, and Bubba Wallace, with all three full-time 23XI cars finishing inside the top ten.
Stages 1 and 2: Setting the Stage for Chaos
The race began with Busch leading from pole position, aggressively defending his position. A caution was triggered by a parts failure on BJ McLeod’s car, leading to a multi-car incident involving William Byron. Zane Smith won Stage 1, although Wallace took the lead at the end of Stage 2 after another caution period caused by a crash involving multiple cars, including rookie Connor Zilisch.
Fuel Strategy and Late-Race Drama
The final stage saw a pack of 30 cars battling for position, employing fuel-saving strategies. A late-race caution due to a collision involving Hamlin, Heim, and Bell set up a dramatic restart with just four laps remaining, ultimately leading to Reddick’s winning pass.
Daytona 500: A Race Defined by Mayhem
The 2026 Daytona 500 proved to be another example of the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing. The race featured multiple cautions, aggressive driving, and a dramatic finish that will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ
Q: Who won the 2026 Daytona 500?
A: Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500.
Q: Who owns Tyler Reddick’s team?
A: Tyler Reddick drives for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Q: How many laps did Tyler Reddick lead?
A: Tyler Reddick led only the final lap of the race.
Q: What happened on the last lap?
A: A multi-car crash occurred on the final lap after Reddick passed Elliott, securing Reddick’s win.
Q: Where did Chase Elliott finish?
A: Chase Elliott finished fourth.
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