The 2026 NASCAR season began with high drama as Tyler Reddick secured a stunning victory in the Daytona 500, giving 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, its first win in “The Great American Race.”
Reddick made the decisive move on the final lap, overtaking Chase Elliott and holding off the field to cross the finish line first. The win marks a historic moment for the young team, which was founded in 2021 and has now captured NASCAR’s biggest event.
Race Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Race | Daytona 500 (68th Edition) |
| Date | February 16, 2026 |
| Winner | Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota, 23XI Racing) |
| Starting Position | 26th |
| Laps Led | 1 (Final Lap) |
| Winning Margin | 0.308 seconds |
Reddick surged late in the race and timed his move perfectly, showing strong race awareness and patience throughout the event.
Dramatic Final Lap Decides the Race
The closing moments brought intense action as Reddick battled with Chase Elliott for the lead. During the fight for position, a late incident triggered a crash involving Elliott, allowing Reddick to pull clear and take the checkered flag.
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2026
TYLER REDDICK IS A DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/IaXoaKwwMf
Several cars were caught in the chaos, adding to the dramatic finish that Daytona is known for.
Top Finishers
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick |
| 2 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 3 | (Field affected by late-race incidents) |
Multiple Crashes Shape the Race
The event featured several major incidents, including a large multi-car crash earlier in the race that eliminated multiple contenders. Another big crash occurred on the final lap, involving several top drivers.
These moments tested team strategy, survival skills, and driver control throughout the race.
Michael Jordan Reacts to Historic Win
In Victory Lane, team co-owner Michael Jordan celebrated with Reddick, calling the moment special for the entire organization. For 23XI Racing, the Daytona 500 victory represents their biggest achievement since entering the Cup Series.
Tyler Reddick's postrace interview on FOX after winning the #Daytona500pic.twitter.com/pMHuGNMVzb
— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) February 15, 2026
PURE JOY from Michael Jordan, Tyler Reddick and the rest of the 23XI Racing crew after the #Daytona500 win. pic.twitter.com/hfUpImXFBx
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) February 15, 2026
Reddick also described the win as a dream moment, especially driving for a team backed by one of the greatest athletes in sports history.
Daytona 500 2026 Prize Money
The 2026 Daytona 500 featured a record prize pool, making it one of the most rewarding races in NASCAR.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Prize Pool | $31,045,575 |
| Estimated Winner Share | ~$1.6 million |
| Potential Total Earnings (with bonuses) | $2 million+ |
Beyond race winnings, drivers also earn through sponsorship bonuses and team performance incentives.
Starting the year with a Daytona 500 victory gives Reddick and 23XI Racing strong momentum for the 2026 championship race. The performance also highlights the team’s growth and ability to compete with top organizations.
The NASCAR season will now continue at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where teams will look to build early points and consistency.
For Reddick and 23XI Racing, the season could not have started in a better way — with a historic win in the sport’s biggest race.
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