Michael Jordan’s reaction spoke volumes as 23XI Racing crossed the line first at the 2026 Daytona 500. The team co-owner stood in victory lane, visibly emotional, watching Tyler Reddick celebrate the biggest win of his NASCAR career. Amid falling confetti, Jordan embraced his driver, savoring a moment reminiscent of his own triumphs on the basketball court.
This result marked a significant milestone for the team Jordan launched in 2020 with Denny Hamlin. What began as a new Cup Series entry has evolved into a race-winning organization. On Sunday, that progress was on full display at NASCAR’s biggest stage. Although Reddick’s last-lap move sealed the win, it was Jordan’s emotional response and post-race remarks that truly highlighted how much the moment meant to the team and its journey.
Michael Jordan compares the Daytona win to a championship feeling
Jordan said the victory felt similar to the titles he won during his NBA career. He spoke in victory lane about what the result meant after years of building the organization.
“This is what it feels like to win a championship. We’ve built this from the ground up, and to see it pay off like this… It’s indescribable.”
He also spoke earlier to FOX and said the outcome still felt unreal as the race ended.
“I can’t even believe it. It’s so gratifying. We had four guys really fighting and helping each other out. You never know how these races will end. You try to survive.”
Michael Jordan focused on the group effort that put the car in position during the closing laps.
Teamwork helped set up the final push
Jordan pointed to the help Reddick received in the closing moments. He highlighted Riley Herbst’s role in pushing during the final run to the finish.
“I thought Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end. That shows what teamwork can really do. He doesn’t get enough credit and probably won’t, but we feel the love, and we understand exactly what he did.”
Michael Jordan said the win came from the way the team worked through the entire race, not only from the last-lap move.
“We just hung in there all day. The team had a great strategy and gave us a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”
His comments underlined the preparation and coordination required in superspeedway racing, where drafting partners and timing often decide the finish.
A milestone moment for 23XI Racing
The Daytona 500 win stands as one of the biggest results in 23XI Racing’s short history. Since entering NASCAR in 2020, the team has expanded its lineup and competed regularly for wins in the Cup Series. Sunday’s result added a Daytona 500 victory to that record.
Michael Jordan has been instrumental in promoting the team’s growth and raising its profile within the sport. After the race, videos captured him celebrating with enthusiastic fist pumps and sharing an emotional embrace with Reddick as the team gathered in victory lane.
Later, Jordan described the achievement, noting that he has always pursued excellence and now observes that same drive within his NASCAR organization.
For Michael Jordan, whose sports legacy includes six NBA championships, the Daytona 500 win demonstrated that his competitive spirit remains strong in a new arena. This time, the celebration unfolded at Daytona International Speedway, with his team at the heart of one of NASCAR’s biggest victories.
Michael Jordan’s Emotional Reaction to Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing’s Daytona 500 Win