DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, is officially a Daytona 500 winner.
Tyler Reddick claimed victory in “The Great American Race” with a thrilling last-lap pass at Daytona International Speedway. This moment sent Jordan into a joyful celebration, where he embraced Reddick and lifted the Harley J. Earl trophy alongside him.
Jordan, who turns 63 soon, will receive his Daytona 500 ring as an early birthday gift. He humorously noted that he wears a size 13.
“It’s like winning a championship,” Jordan said after the race. “But until I get that ring, I won’t truly feel it.”
Before the race, team co-owner Denny Hamlin, who finished 31st, reminded his team of the joy they could bring to Jordan. “You have the power to make him happy,” Hamlin told them.
Reddick, driving a Toyota, led just one lap—the final one—setting a new Daytona 500 record as the 25th driver to achieve this. “This is pure Daytona madness,” Reddick remarked, excited and hoarse from cheering. “I never imagined I’d be a Daytona 500 champion.”
This win marked Reddick’s first since late in the 2024 season after a tough previous year, during which he focused more on family, caring for his infant son who had health challenges.
Thomas Reddick’s triumph was a major boost for him and his team, especially after his teammate Bubba Wallace, who led most of the race, finished 10th and expressed mixed feelings about their performance.
“Happy birthday, MJ! That’s a massive present,” Wallace said, reflecting on both joy and disappointment.
The race saw high tensions, especially for Hamlin, who faced a collision with teammate Christopher Bell that led to a caution a few laps before the finish. Elliott briefly took the lead before Reddick surged ahead, making crucial moves that secured his victory.
“It’s what you dream of as a kid,” Reddick said, expressing gratitude for the trust Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin placed in him.
Jordan’s win also holds significance beyond the race. He recently played a prominent role in a federal anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR that reshaped revenue-sharing in motorsports. Watching the victory unfold from a suite, Jordan’s joy was palpable, especially given the legal challenges he faced earlier.
“This is so gratifying,” he said. “You never know how these races will turn out. We just stayed focused and made it happen.”
The team’s success coincided with victories for other owners involved in the lawsuit, showcasing a celebration of resilience and teamwork in both racing and broader challenges.
As the dust settles from this year’s Daytona 500, fans and racers alike are reflecting on a unique race filled with drama and joy. The future looks bright for Reddick and 23XI Racing under the legendary influence of Michael Jordan.
For more on NASCAR, visit AP Auto Racing.
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