Billy Scott stood on pit road Sunday night, still coming to terms with a historic achievement. As crew chief for Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota, he had just helped deliver 23XI Racing its first-ever Daytona 500 victory, a milestone that hadn’t quite sunk in. The race at Daytona International Speedway ended dramatically, with Tyler Reddick charging forward as chaos erupted behind the leaders.
For 23XI Racing, the win represented a remarkable turnaround after a winless 2025 season. In the aftermath, Scott reflected on the collective effort from the driver, crew, and partners that made the triumph possible. The moment also carried personal significance, evoking memories of his childhood watching the same race from the grandstands as a young fan.
Billy Scott reacts after career milestone at Daytona 500
Shortly after the race, Scott admitted the magnitude of the achievement was difficult to grasp.
“It’s incredible. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. Coming here as a kid and sitting in the stands watching this 30-something years ago, I never figured I’d even have this opportunity, let alone actually make it come true. I appreciate all the support we’ve had from Toyota and our owners, and Tyler drove his tail off. That’s incredible.”
The win marked one of the biggest achievements of Scott’s career as a crew chief and delivered a major milestone for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. After going winless throughout 2025, the Daytona 500 victory provided a crucial, confidence-building start to the new season.
Final-lap teamwork proves decisive at Daytona International Speedway
The race’s final moments proved decisive. As the field charged toward the finish, Reddick received a timely push that propelled the No. 45 car forward at the perfect moment.
Scott credited teamwork as a key part of the winning move.
“Just about, yeah. That was unbelievable. Thanks to Riley for giving us a push. That’s what we have teammates for, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s another example of going forward together.”
That push allowed Tyler Reddick to surge ahead as chaos erupted behind the leaders. The late-race turmoil opened the door for the No. 45 team to seize control in the final seconds and sprint to the checkered flag.
Tension on the pit box until the finish
Even as Tyler Reddick moved forward, tension gripped the pit box during the final lap. Scott noted the team’s concern that a caution flag might fly before the field reached the finish line, an event that could have frozen the order and changed the outcome.
“To get that run and get inside, we were so worried a yellow was going to come out with the wreck happening at some point on the last lap,” he said. “It’s just incredible to come across the line. Still, it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
When Reddick crossed the finish line first, anxiety gave way to relief and celebration. For Scott, the result carried personal meaning that stretched back decades, from attending the Daytona 500 as a child to later guiding a winning team atop the pit box at the very same event.
The moment completed a remarkable journey and marked a historic night for both Scott and 23XI Racing at Daytona.
Tyler Riddick crew chief Billy Scott, 23XI Racing reflect their dramatic Daytona 500 win