Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Winning Daytona 500 Reignites GOAT Debate – “Take That LeBron”

Tyler Reddick driving Michael Jordan's car no. 45 used a crossover move in the last corner to win the 2026 Daytona 500.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Winning Daytona 500 Reignites GOAT Debate – “Take That LeBron”

LeBron James and Michael Jordan (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, won the 2026 Daytona 500, reigniting debates about his status as the GOAT.
  • Fans are comparing Jordan's NASCAR victory to LeBron James' basketball achievements, suggesting it strengthens Jordan's legacy.
  • Jordan expressed immense joy over the win, likening it to an NBA championship and celebrating with his team.

As with any professional athlete, Michael Jordan delved into the world of business after stepping away from basketball as arguably the best to ever play the game.

The riches he earned from his paychecks may not have been much, but his sponsorship deals, most notably with Nike, allowed the North Carolina native to get back into the sport when he purchased the Charlotte Bobcats. After not being able to translate his glory days as a player into ownership, he eventually sold the team for an astounding $3 billion back in 2023.

During this entire time, Jordan kept his competitive fire going through golf and gambling, but they were not of the professional kind. To channel that, he joined hands with fellow Florida native and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin to create 23XI Racing.

Six years after making their debut at the 2021 Daytona 500, car no. 45, another number “His Airness” wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls, driven by Tyler Reddick, was on a mission after coming up short last year.

The 30-year-old started the final lap fourth and then had to stay steady after being hit by cars 43 and 77. Then Reddick, after briefly nudging into the lead, fell back to third.

After receiving a helpful nudge from teammate Riley Herbst, the father of two stayed in No. 38 Zane Smith‘s draft. His final move was reminiscent of what Michael Jordan did against the Utah Jazz to win his sixth title.

He surged past Smith and then outsmarted race leader Chase Elliott by feinting to the right before sliding underneath on his left and powering away to the finish line.

Fans drag LeBron James into debates after Michael Jordan’s Daytona 500 win

Usually, fans of the five-time basketball regular-season MVP would be celebrating this win, as it was a great feather to add to his already full cap. However, at the same time, fans could not help but drag LeBron James into the conversation.

They pointed out that if this Daytona 500 win ends the NBA GOAT debate for good, as the Lakers’ superstar is nowhere close to usurping Michael Jordan’s basketball titles.

Then, for this NASCAR win to join his list of accolades just makes it more difficult for him to claim himself as the GOAT. Check out examples of those reactions below:

The competitor in Michael Jordan would likely chuckle if he ever saw these reactions on social media. However, he is now focused on celebrating with his team, as the Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR’s regular season.

Michael Jordan likens Daytona 500 win to NBA championship

If there is anyone who knows how to win, it is Michael Jordan. No matter which side of the road one is on, there could be no argument when it comes to his competitive fire.

Michael Jordan and Tyler Reddick lifting the Daytona 500 trophy
Michael Jordan and Tyler Reddick lifting the Daytona 500 trophy (Image via Complex Sports/X)

Maybe that is why he was so ecstatic that his team won the 2026 Daytona 500, that he ran onto the podium, hugging Tyler Reddick, and then high-fiving every No. 45 crew member before collectively lifting the Harley J. Earl Trophy.

I can’t even believe it… 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.

Michael Jordan said

Hearing this, FOX Sports’ Jamie Little asked the 62-year-old what size ring he wore, to which he replied, it was size 13. Weeks after helping change NASCAR’s economic landscape, this win is probably the best birthday present Jordan could think of.

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