DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent NASCAR history, Tyler Reddick emerged victorious at the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway. The iconic race, often referred to as “The Great American Race,” kicked off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with intense competition and record‑setting moments that captivated motorsports fans across the United States.
Held over 200 laps and 500 miles through high speeds and strategic drafting, Reddick’s win marked his first Daytona 500 victory and the first for 23XI Racing, the team co‑owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin. The victory also added a ninth career Cup Series win to Reddick’s record, delivering an emotional and high‑profile moment early in the 2026 racing calendar.
A Photo Finish for the Ages
The race unfolded with dramatic lead changes and tight pack racing typical of superspeedway competition. Reddick took the lead in heart‑pounding fashion on the final lap, passing then‑leader Chase Elliott in the final stretch to cross the finish line first. While Reddick led only the last lap, his timing and tactical positioning paid off, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Daytona’s pack racing dynamics.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished second, followed by Joey Logano in third place. Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five, while drivers including Zane Smith, Chris Buescher, Riley Herbst, Josh Berry, and Bubba Wallace completed the top ten. The average race speed was recorded at approximately 147 mph, reflecting the fast pace and competitive field of the season opener.
Significance of the Win
Reddick’s victory holds particular significance not only for his personal career but also for 23XI Racing, which has become one of the sport’s most closely watched teams since its inception. Co‑owned by Michael Jordan, who celebrated jubilantly in victory lane and is set to receive a Daytona 500 ring for his team’s success, the win symbolizes both a competitive breakthrough and a milestone in the team’s evolution.
For Reddick, conquering Daytona carries additional emotional resonance. He has navigated personal challenges over the past year, including caring for his young son during a medical crisis, making this triumph at NASCAR’s most prestigious event especially poignant.
Race Highlights and Context
The Daytona 500 traditionally serves as the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule and often sets the tone for the season ahead. This year’s edition featured a robust field of drivers and teams, with pole position secured by Kyle Busch based on qualifying results earlier in the week. However, Busch ultimately finished mid‑pack on race day as strategy and drafting packs reshaped the leaderboard throughout the contest.
The event also paid tribute to the late NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle, who tragically died in a plane crash in December 2025. A video tribute aired during the race, with fans and fellow competitors honoring Biffle’s contributions to racing and his philanthropic work off the track.
Broader Impact and Fan Engagement
The 2026 Daytona 500 drew significant attention from both longtime NASCAR supporters and casual sports fans, reinforcing its status as a marquee event in the American sporting calendar. With extensive television coverage on FOX and live streaming options available, millions tuned in to witness the thrilling finish. The race also served as a key gathering for sponsors, teams, and corporate partners as NASCAR continues to grow its national and international footprint.
As the Cup Series moves forward from Daytona, teams will carry momentum and strategic insights from this season opener into upcoming races. Reddick’s unexpected victory speaks to the competitive depth of the current NASCAR landscape, where timing, precision, and split‑second decisions can reshape championship trajectories.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500 with a last‑lap pass, marking his first victory in this historic race and adding a major achievement to his NASCAR resume.
- 23XI Racing, co‑owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, celebrated its first Daytona 500 triumph, elevating the team’s profile within the sport.
- The race featured intense competition with multiple lead changes and strategic drafting, indicative of Daytona’s unique racing environment and the unpredictable nature of superspeedway events.
- Fans nationwide witnessed the emotional tribute to the late Greg Biffle, underscoring the deep community and legacy elements embedded within NASCAR culture.
This year’s Daytona 500 delivered both historic achievement and emotional resonance, reinforcing its place as one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated events in American motorsports.
