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

23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan has shared his thoughts on his driver Tyler Reddick’s impressive win in the 2026 Daytona 500.

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

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

In Short
  • Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500, marking his first victory at the event for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing.
  • Michael Jordan praised the teamwork that contributed to Reddick's win, highlighting Riley Herbst's significant role.
  • Jordan expressed that the victory feels like a championship win for him, eagerly awaiting his Daytona 500 winner ring.

The 2025 Daytona 500 was one of the biggest heartbreaks of Tyler Reddick career and the shadows followed him till the end of the last season. Now he has earned the moment of his redemption, winning the 2026 season opener for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing. It marked the first win at the crown jewel event for the driver and the TRD team.

Tyler Reddick found himself with the leading pack in the final restarts and took control of the race, when Carson Hocevar wrecked from the lead. With the help push from teammate Riley Herbst he weaved his way upfront and hold onto the lead, before Chase Elliott made contact with the No:35 Toyota and wrecked. Michael Jordan is over the moon with his racers win.

I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying. We had four guys that were really fighting there were helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end, right? You just try to survive.

Michael Jordan told Fox Sports via X.

The NBA legend didn’t forget to credit Riley Herbst, who played a significant role in the victory. He asserted that Reddick win was the product of teamwork and admitted that though the racing community might forget No:35 driver’s contribution, he as well as the 23XI Racing garage will never forget about it.

I thought Riley [Herbst] did an unbelievable job by pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really do. He doesn’t get enough credit. He won’t get enough credit, but we feel the love, we understand exactly what he did.

Michael Jordan added.

Further talking about the point, MJ reiterated that the race victory was the product of the solid strategy the team employed at the race. The veteran asserted that Reddick’s win feels like he himself won the championship. The six times NBA champion is waiting for size 13 Daytona 500 winner ring for the 2026 triumph.

We just hung in there. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end…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 asserted.

Michael Jordan explained how the charter lawsuit changed NASCAR

Ahead of the Daytona 500, Jordon was asked by the media about the controversial charter lawsuit, which was settled outside the court after two weeks of ugly trial. It changed everything with the sport, starting with the addition of the evergreen charters. According to Jordon, the settlement has ended the stalemate and made communication between teams and leadership.

23XI Racing co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan
23XI Racing co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan (Image via NRF Productions/X)

Communication — the thing is, both sides have been somewhat at a stalemate, and we both needed to have conversations about change, how we can grow this sport. Unfortunately, we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that, you have a much better appreciation for each other, and I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continue to grow the game.

Michael Jordan said via Fox Sports on X.

The comments from the veteran are valid and on point, as the lawsuit settlement is helping the sport to evolve into something better. It is going to bring back more investment to the sport, and with more involvement, the teams have better motivation to grow. It would be interesting to how the sport is going to change in the next few years.

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