Key Insights from Daytona 500: Reddick, Jordan Celebrate Major Victory

Bassyonni

Published: February 16, 2026 6:20 PM ET

Tyler Reddick achieved a significant milestone by winning the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway, located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This victory marked Reddick’s first Daytona 500 win and was a pivotal moment for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. This success also ended Reddick’s 38-race winless streak and highlighted his potential among NASCAR’s younger talents.

Key Insights from Daytona 500: Reddick, Jordan Celebrate Major Victory

Reddick’s Thrilling Race Finish

The climax of the race saw Reddick skillfully maneuver past competitors Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell on the final lap, taking advantage of a crash between them. With support from fellow driver Riley Herbst, Reddick maintained his lead and secured the win as multiple cars wrecked behind him, resulting in a chaotic finish.

Post-Race Interviews

Post-race reactions were largely influenced by the unexpected wrecks. The drivers who finished second through fifth—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, and Brad Keselowski—were notably absent during interviews due to injuries sustained in the last-lap incident. They were quickly evaluated and later released from the infield medical center.

Chase Elliott’s Disappointment

Chase Elliott expressed his dissatisfaction, having led the race before succumbing to Reddick’s late surge. “It kind of sucks,” he commented, reflecting on his near victory and the pressure of competing at such a high-stakes event.

Brad Keselowski’s Recovery

Brad Keselowski, who is still recovering from a recent leg injury, performed well and secured a top-five finish. He expressed relief over his physical condition following the crash and shared his determination to compete, despite previous uncertainties about his ability to race.

Looking Ahead

The NASCAR series continues with the next race set at Atlanta Motor Speedway, another drafting track. This location is known for intense finishes, and teams will prepare for similar dynamics to those witnessed at Daytona. Denny Hamlin noted that consistency in race regulations will be crucial for all competitors as the season progresses.