Tyler Reddick’s Daytona 500 Triumph

Tyler Reddick has added a significant achievement to NBA icon Michael Jordan’s already impressive resume—his team, 23XI Racing, celebrated its first Daytona 500 win.

After the race, Jordan expressed his excitement, saying, “It feels like I won the championship, but you don’t know until you get the ring,” during a chat with Fox Sports from Victory Lane.

The six-time NBA champion joyfully rushed into victory lane to celebrate with Reddick and the entire crew. In a moment of excitement, Reddick was embraced by Jordan, who lifted him off the ground before they high-fived the rest of the team.

As they held the Harley J. Earle trophy above their heads amid swirling confetti, Jordan’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. Denny Hamlin, who co-owns the team with Jordan, remarked, “He loves his race team. I told them, ‘You realize the responsibility you have to bring joy to Michael Jordan, right? No one else can do that.'” He emphasized how fulfilling it must be to share their success with Jordan.

This victory was particularly special for Jordan, coming just days before his 63rd birthday.

Reddick clinched the win after leading just one lap, marking his ninth Cup Series victory and his first since the beginning of the 2024 season. Reflecting on the race, he stated, “It’s just unbelievable how it all unfolded, with the true craziness of Daytona. I was already screaming so much that I couldn’t speak. Becoming the Daytona 500 champion was something I never thought was possible.”

He also shared his thoughts on racing for such distinguished figures, saying, “That’s what you dream about as a kid. I didn’t expect to be driving for someone like Michael Jordan, but it’s incredible that he and Denny Hamlin believe in me.” Reddick concluded with a commitment to honor the trust they’ve placed in him.