23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan and driver Tyler Reddick celebrate winning the Dayton 500 (Photo Credit: NASCAR / YouTube)
The Daytona 500 Is One Of The Most Legendary NASCAR Races Of All Time
The Daytona 500 is considered NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race. So much so that it is nicknamed “The Great American Race,” and compared to events like the Super Bowl.
It it the kickoff to NASCAR season, and it carries the largest purse, which is why it’s such a big deal.
The Daytona 500 has had some legendary moments, shocking upsets, and so much more. Some of racing’s biggest names built their legacy at Dayton 500 including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson.
Fun fact: Richard Petty’s father, Lee Petty, won the first-ever Daytona 500 in 1959.
With William Byron taking home the wins in 2024 and 2025, all eyes were on him to see if he could become the first-ever driver to win the race three years in a row.
People will also be watching out for Kyle Busch, who raced in his 21st Daytona 500 having never taken home first place. 41 drivers raced their best to try and win “The Great American Race,” which was completely sold out.
37 drivers were already locked in including Justin Allgaier, who drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Eight drivers vied for the final four spots in the America 250 Florida Duel, which took place on Thursday, Feb. 12.
The Daytona 500 also paid tribute to the late Greg Biffle, who passed away in a plane crash along with his children, wife, and three others.
Who Won The 2026 Daytona 500?
Tyler Reddick, a driver for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, finished first at the 2026 Daytona 500 after a thrilling finish that left several cars in smoke.
The race was memorable from the beginning, with fans in the Speedway holding up three fingers during the third lap in honor of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., who passed away 25 years ago from a crash at Daytona 500.
As the drivers went into the last lap, Reddick was the leader for the first time all afternoon.
Reddick won the Daytona 500, besting big names like Kyle Busch, three-time winner Denny Hamlin, 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney, reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, and more.
Two crashes took place in the last last, which Reddick came out unscathed and caused him to take home the Harley J. Earl trophy.
Team owner Michael Jordan was there to celebrate with him and said it felt as thrilling as one of his basketball championships.
“I’m ecstatic! It’s so gratifying. You never know how these races are gonna end. I feel like I won a championship!” the six-time NBA champ said.
Watch the highlights below!
And watch the celebration below.
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