Daytona Beach, Florida — Tyler Reddick made history on Sunday by claiming victory in the 2026 Daytona 500 in a gripping final lap that took fans on a wild ride. Driving the iconic No. 45 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, Reddick capitalized on a chaotic finish that saw him leap from third place to first in a matter of seconds, overcoming a spin by Carson Hocevar right after the white flag waved.
This win marks Reddick’s first triumph at the Daytona 500, making him only the fourth driver in the race’s storied history to take the lead on the final lap without having positioned himself at the front throughout the race. Just a year prior, he finished as the runner-up behind William Byron, but on this day, his perseverance paid off. The victory not only fulfills a personal aspiration for Reddick, but it also delivers a significant milestone for team owner Michael Jordan, bringing him to victory lane just two days shy of his 63rd birthday.
Entering the final turn, it appeared that Chase Elliott was on track to clinch the win with Zane Smith in hot pursuit. However, Reddick executed a well-timed maneuver, aided by a significant push from teammate Riley Herbst, to snatch the lead. “I can’t express how fulfilling this feels,” Jordan stated jubilantly in victory lane. “We had our drivers working together strategically, and it made all the difference. Riley deserves a lot of credit for how he supported Tyler and pushed him to the front.”
Though the race ended in celebration for Reddick and Jordan, not all drivers shared the same sentiment. Brad Keselowski, who competed just eight weeks post-surgery for a broken femur, voiced his frustration over being taken out of contention by Herbst. Keselowski indicated that the wreck not only impacted his performance but also affected several other drivers who had fought valiantly throughout the day. “To see a race end like that is disappointing, especially when so many cars were taken out unnecessarily,” he remarked after finishing in the top five.
As Reddick basked in the aftermath of his victory, the results highlighted the competitiveness and unpredictability that define the Daytona 500. The final unofficial standings showcased a mix of established drivers and emerging talents, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finishing in second place and Joey Logano rounding out the top three.
With this thrilling performance, Reddick not only dares to dream of more successes but also adds his name to the Daytona legacy, joining an elite group of winners in one of motorsports’ most revered competitions. As the fans departed the Daytona International Speedway, the excitement of this year’s race lingered in the air, setting the stage for the rest of the NASCAR season.