Tyler Reddick Claims Daytona 500 Victory for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing
A Historic Day at the Daytona 500
The Daytona 500, often referred to as "The Great American Race," delivered one of its most unforgettable finishes in recent memory. Tyler Reddick emerged victorious in a car owned by Michael Jordan, marking a significant milestone for both the driver and the team owner. The win came after a dramatic final lap where Chase Elliott, who had been in a fierce battle with Reddick, crashed due to a contact that allowed Reddick to take the lead and secure the victory.
Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, led only one lap during the race—the final one that brought him to the checkered flag. This lap was particularly meaningful as it was for a team owned by NBA Hall of Famer and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. The win was a dream come true for Reddick, who expressed his disbelief and excitement in the aftermath of the race.
“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” Reddick said. “I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.”
A Special Celebration
Michael Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, was present in victory lane to celebrate the win. He embraced Reddick in a bear hug and together they hoisted the Harley J. Earl trophy into the air. Jordan, known for his competitive spirit, made it clear that he was thrilled with the win. He mentioned that he would receive a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday and even joked about his size 13 shoe.
“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,” Jordan said.
The celebration also included several NASCAR stars. Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate, was seen in tears after dominating a large portion of the race but finishing 10th. Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace from behind and offered words of encouragement.
“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present,” Wallace said. “I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks.”
Wallace added, “Led a lot of laps, lap leader, I believe. It was a good day for us, but damn. Try again next year.”
Other Notable Performances
Denny Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, finished 31st in the race. His bid to become the third four-time Daytona 500 winner fell short. Hamlin was involved in the final caution when he and teammate Christopher Bell collided with nine laps remaining. This incident set up the final push to the finish over the final four laps.
Chase Elliott had control on the final lap after leader Carson Hocevar was spun off the track. It seemed that the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott would finally win his first Daytona 500. However, Reddick made a huge surge, hit Elliott to cause a crash, and sailed past to take the lead and secure the victory.
Legal Context and Team Success
Jordan was the face of the December federal antitrust lawsuit that NASCAR settled on the ninth day of trial. The settlement changed the revenue-sharing model in the United States’ top motorsports series.
The victory marked a Daytona sweep for three team owners heavily involved in the trial. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in suing NASCAR, opened the weekend with a victory when Chandler Smith won the Truck Series opener on Friday night for Front Row Motorsports.
Richard Childress, who testified on behalf of 23XI and Front Row and was the subject of disparaging text messages by since-departed NASCAR chairman Steve Phelps, was the winning team owner Saturday when Austin Hill won.
Then came “The Great American Race” and Jordan and Hamlin, the two front-facing litigants, got their first Daytona 500 victory.
Podium Finishers and Final Thoughts
Former race winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano finished second and third as Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford each placed a driver on the podium. Elliott wound up fourth and sat dejected and in disbelief on the outside wall of the track after climbing from his car.
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