Tyler Reddick triumphed at the Daytona 500 on February 15, 2024, steering a car owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan. Reddick’s victory came after a dramatic final lap where he outmaneuvered Chase Elliott, who crashed while competing for the lead in NASCAR’s prestigious season opener. Notably, Reddick led only one lap during the race—the crucial lap that brought him across the finish line.
“It’s just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” Reddick remarked after the race, acknowledging the significance of becoming the 25th different driver to lead a lap, setting a new Daytona 500 record. The 30-year-old from Corning, California, celebrated his ninth career win in the Cup Series and his first since late 2024, ending a 38-race winless streak.
Reddick’s journey to victory comes after a challenging year focused primarily on his family. He had been taking care of his infant son, who was diagnosed with a tumor affecting his heart. In a poignant twist, Reddick finished one position higher than his previous attempt at the Daytona 500, where he placed second.
Celebrations and Emotions in Victory Lane
The celebration in victory lane was electric as Reddick shared a heartfelt embrace with Jordan, who turned 63 on the day of the race. Reddick playfully noted Jordan’s shoe size—“13”—as they lifted the coveted Harley J. Earl trophy together. Jordan expressed his disbelief, saying, “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
This win was particularly meaningful for Jordan, who had recently been in the spotlight due to a federal antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR. The case, which settled just days before the race, altered the revenue-sharing model in the sport, marking a significant moment in NASCAR history. Jordan watched the race from a suite above the track, where he had just faced off against NASCAR’s founding family in court.
Reddick’s teammate, Bubba Wallace, also faced his own emotional rollercoaster. He led a race-high 40 laps but ultimately finished in 10th place. Wallace shared his feelings post-race, stating, “I thought this was our week…but damn. Try again next year.” He received words of encouragement from Jordan, who embraced him and spoke softly in his ear.
A Dramatic Finish with Key Competitors
The final lap saw a significant shift in momentum when Elliott, who had been in control, fell victim to a crash triggered by Carson Hocevar. As Elliott spun off the track, Reddick seized the opportunity with help from teammate Riley Herbst, ultimately overtaking Elliott to secure the win.
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion, finished 31st after being involved in a collision that led to the last caution. Hamlin, who was vying for his fourth title, reflected on the race, stating, “You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive.”
The Daytona 500 concluded with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano following Reddick across the line in second and third place, respectively. Each driver represented different manufacturers—Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford—highlighting the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
As the dust settled on the “Great American Race,” Reddick’s victory marked not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Jordan and the entire 23XI Racing team, who have found themselves in the spotlight both on and off the track.
