“Best 500 I’ve Ever Had!” Bubba Wallace Bemoans Losing 2026 Daytona 500 to Tyler Reddick

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace has shared his disappointment and rejuvenation over the 2026 Daytona 500 results.

“Best 500 I’ve Ever Had!” Bubba Wallace Bemoans Losing 2026 Daytona 500 to Tyler Reddick

Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick (Via @NASCAR/X)

In Short
  • Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500, marking 23XI Racing's first victory in the event.
  • Bubba Wallace expressed frustration over finishing P10 despite leading 40 laps, calling it his best race.
  • Both drivers acknowledged the pressure of racing for Michael Jordan's team and the expectations to win.

23XI Racing tasted the maiden Daytona 500 triumph of their racing history, as Tyler Reddick survived the chaotic final lap with the help of Riley Herbst, to defeat Chase Elliott and win Harley J. Earl Trophy. But the No:45 team was the product teammate Bubba Wallace wreck earlier, who was strong on Sunday.

The No:23 Toyota Camry was one of the best cars of the day, leading 40 laps only to finish P10. Talking about the race to the media after the race, Bubba Wallace hailed teammate Tyler Reddick for the triumph, as he didn’t want his disappointment to take credit away from the solid performance by the No:45 team, which delivered the best birthday present Michael Jordon could ask from his racers.  

Man, I don’t know what to say. First of all, hats off to the 45 group. I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present.

Bubba Wallace told Fox Sports.

Later, the 2025 Brickyard winner admitted that coming into the week he was pretty confident with the car and was pretty strong in the race till the final lap, making it painful as he lost despite having one of his best runs. He semes to be more frustrated that he has been the two times he finished P2 in the race, while being happy for his teammate as well.

I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, su**s. But couldn’t be more proud of the team. That’s a big win. I’m super frustrated that I didn’t win. But that doesn’t take away from what they just did, I need that to be known.

Bubba Wallace added.

Tyler Reddick words explain why Bubba Wallace desperately wants to win for Michael Jordan

The comments from the race winner Tyler Reddick post-race shows how losing races with 23XI Racing is tough for the drivers. Racing for Michael Jordan’s team the limelight is always on them and they are expected to win every time.

Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace
Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace (Via IMAGO)

MJ is known for his competitive mentality and the fans of the teams, as well as the majority of racing community expects the same from 23XI. Hence the invest more time and effort to race preparation behind the scene. Hence it hurt, when they match expectations.

Last year was really hard for all of us. Hard for me. When you’re a Cup driver and get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year. For us to go on that drought that we did made us look really hard in the mirror. Just really proud of everyone on our Chumba Casino Toyota Camry. Worked really, really hard in the offseason.

Tyler Reddick said.

Throughout his 23XI career, Bubba Wallace has been able to win just three races for MJ. So, he is racing with a chip on his shoulders, as the famous racers in the team. Despite the loss, the team will be happy that all four of their cars were fast on Sunday and they have the momentum to bank on for the remainder of 2026.

Also Read: “It Feels Like I Won a Championship!” Michael Jordan Is Over the Moon as Tyler Reddick Wins 2026 Daytona 500