Basketball icon Michael Jordan, already a six-time NBA champion, has added another significant achievement to his illustrious career: a Daytona 500 victory as a team owner. This monumental win came courtesy of driver Tyler Reddick, who skillfully navigated his 23XI Racing car to a last-lap triumph at Daytona International Speedway. The emotional celebration saw Jordan embracing Reddick in victory lane, jointly lifting the Harley J. Earl trophy, marking a memorable moment for the entire team and Jordan personally, who will receive a special Daytona 500 ring as a birthday gift.
The atmosphere at Daytona International Speedway was electric as Tyler Reddick secured a dramatic victory in 'The Great American Race.' The win, which came on the final lap, propelled Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team to its first Daytona 500 title. Jordan, set to turn 63 soon, was visibly ecstatic, comparing the feeling of this victory to winning an NBA championship. His passion for his racing team was echoed by co-owner Denny Hamlin, who highlighted the team's ability to bring joy to Jordan through their performance.
Denny Hamlin, despite finishing 31st himself, conveyed a powerful message to his 23XI Racing team members prior to the season opener. He emphasized the profound impact their success has on Jordan, reminding them of the sheer delight Jordan experienced when Reddick previously won at Talladega in 2024. Hamlin underscored that no other endeavor could bring Jordan the same level of happiness as witnessing his team's achievements, a sentiment the team clearly internalized and delivered upon.
Reddick's victory was particularly remarkable, as he led only the final lap of the race. This made him the 25th different driver to lead a lap, setting a new Daytona 500 record for lead changes. The 30-year-old from California expressed his disbelief and overwhelming joy, stating he had "lost his voice from screaming" and never imagined becoming a Daytona 500 champion. This win marks his ninth in the Cup Series and his first since late in the 2024 season, breaking a 38-race winless streak.
The triumph holds a deeper significance for Reddick, who faced personal challenges last year when his infant son was diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart. Despite these difficulties, Reddick had a strong start to the previous season with a runner-up finish at Daytona. His win this year, by just one position, not only ended his drought but also ignited jubilant celebrations involving NASCAR stars, including Jordan and Hamlin.
Amidst the celebrations, Jordan also offered words of encouragement to teammate Bubba Wallace, who had led a race-high 40 laps but finished 10th. Wallace, emotional about missing out on the win, acknowledged the significant achievement for Jordan, calling it a "massive birthday present." The race's dramatic conclusion saw a collision involving Hamlin and his teammate Christopher Bell, setting up a thrilling final four laps. Reddick, with an assist from Riley Herbst, seized the lead on the final lap, making contact with Elliott, which led to Elliott's crash, and subsequently securing the victory for 23XI Racing.
The win is not just a sporting triumph but also carries a symbolic weight, especially considering Jordan's recent involvement in a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, which concluded with a settlement in December. Jordan, who watched the race from a suite, witnessed his team's victory over the very organization he had legally challenged. Notably, NASCAR chairman Jim France, who was a defendant in the lawsuit, personally congratulated the winners in victory lane, highlighting a complex yet ultimately celebratory moment in motorsports history.
The weekend proved to be a sweep for team owners who were prominent figures in the recent antitrust trial. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in the lawsuit, saw his Front Row Motorsports team win the Truck Series opener. Richard Childress, another key witness, celebrated a victory on Saturday. This set the stage for Jordan and Hamlin, the two leading litigants, to achieve their first joint Daytona 500 victory, a powerful statement of their influence and success in the sport. The podium was rounded out by former winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano, with Elliott expressing his dejection at narrowly missing the win.
