DAYTONA BEACH, FL – In a chaotic finish befitting the “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing,” Tyler Reddick secured his first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday, February 15, 2026, driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan. The race, marred by a massive wreck on the final lap, saw Reddick capitalize on a late surge to cross the finish line ahead of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. And Joey Logano.
The 2026 Daytona 500 will be remembered as much for its dramatic conclusion as for the sheer number of cars involved in late-race incidents. A multi-car pileup with just ten laps remaining initially set the stage for a four-lap dash to the finish, but the ensuing chaos on the final lap ultimately decided the outcome. Reddick’s win marks a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, a team that has quickly become a competitive force in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Late-Race Wreck Reshapes the Finish
The final lap unfolded with a series of dramatic maneuvers and collisions. After a caution period, Michael McDowell led the field to the green flag with Reddick close behind. A late push from Erik Jones created an opening, but a subsequent spin involving Carson Hocevar triggered a chain reaction. Despite the spinning cars, the race remained green, setting up a frantic sprint to the finish. Chase Elliott, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Reddick found themselves line astern at the front, with Zane Smith providing a crucial push for Elliott. Reddick, with support from teammate Riley Herbst, then made the decisive move, surging to the lead as Elliott swerved and ultimately triggering another wreck that took out several contenders, including Herbst, Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Joey Logano.
The dramatic finish is captured in a post from FOX NASCAR on X (formerly Twitter): TYLER REDDICK WINS THE DAYTONA 500!
Emotional Victory for Reddick
The victory held particular significance for Reddick, who reflected on the challenges faced by his family last year. “I understand. Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,” Reddick said after the race. He acknowledged the expectations that come with driving for Michael Jordan, stating, “When you’re a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year.” Reddick credited his team’s resilience and dedication, adding, “Just speechless. I didn’t know if I’d ever win this race. It’s surreal, honestly. Honestly, the best part is my son asked before this race, Are you finally going to win this race? Something about today just felt right.”
Reddick also highlighted the team’s collaborative effort and the crucial role of his teammate, Riley Herbst, in the final push. “My teammate Riley Herbst gave me a lot of pushes there and then tried to win the race for himself, as he should at the end there,” he explained. He described the race as “true Daytona madness” and expressed his disbelief at becoming a Daytona 500 champion.
Daytona 500 Results (Top 10)
| Pos | Num | Driver | Team | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing | Toyota Camry |
| 2 | 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports | Chevrolet Camaro |
| 3 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford Mustang |
| 4 | 9 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet Camaro |
| 5 | 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing | Ford Mustang |
| 6 | 38 | Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports | Ford Mustang |
| 7 | 17 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing | Ford Mustang |
| 8 | 35 | Riley Herbst | 23XI Racing | Toyota Camry |
| 9 | 21 | Josh Berry | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford Mustang |
| 10 | 23 | Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing | Toyota Camry |
Earlier in the race, a significant wreck on lap 123 involving approximately 20 cars, initiated by contact between Denny Hamlin and race leader Justin Allgaier, significantly altered the competitive landscape. According to News-Journal Online, drivers such as Kyle Busch, William Byron, Joey Logano, and Michael McDowell were also caught up in the incident.
The race also saw Corey Heim, making his Daytona 500 debut with 23XI Racing, finish 28th, gaining valuable experience as he continues his transition to the Cup Series, as reported by Slicks and Sticks.
With Reddick’s victory, the focus now shifts to the upcoming races in the NASCAR Cup Series season. The performance of 23XI Racing and its drivers will undoubtedly be closely watched as they build on this momentum.
What did you think of the dramatic finish to the Daytona 500? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
