Tyler Reddick wins Daytona 500 in Michael Jordan-owned car
Reddick secured 23XI Racing's first Daytona 500 victory on the final lap, with Jordan celebrating as co-owner after a dramatic finish.
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Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, delivering the first victory in the iconic race for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
Reddick, driving a Toyota, led only the final lap to the checkered flag. The California native made a decisive move on the last lap when Chase Elliott crashed while battling for the lead. Elliott had appeared positioned to win after leader Carson Hocevar was spun off the track on the final lap, but Reddick surged past to claim victory.
The finish came amid chaotic final laps that saw multiple crashes. Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, was involved in a collision with teammate Christopher Bell with nine laps remaining, which set up the final push to the finish. NASCAR kept the race green through the final-lap incidents and did not throw the caution until after the race concluded with an additional crash.
Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, was present at the speedway and celebrated with Reddick in victory lane. The two jointly hoisted the Harley J. Earl Trophy into the air. Jordan bear-hugged Reddick and high-fived crew members as confetti fell around them.
"It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know," Jordan told Fox Sports from victory lane, noting he wears a size 13 for the Daytona 500 ring he will receive.
Reddick, who was shut out from victory lane last year, said of the win: "Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness. I've already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion."
The victory marked the first official race for 23XI Racing since December, when the team and NASCAR settled a legal dispute in which 23XI and another team gained nearly every major concession they sought. The settlement came after months of litigation that had raised questions about the team's future.
Jordan told The Athletic after the race: "It's like winning a championship, like a huge championship. Unbelievable."
Hamlin, who is a three-time Daytona 500 winner, finished 31st in Sunday's race. He had been attempting to become the third driver in history to win the race three times.
Jordan was magnanimous throughout the day at the speedway. In a national television interview with Fox Sports before the race, he spoke passionately about what NASCAR and the Daytona 500 meant to him and his family, with whom he watches the race.