UPDATE: Tyler Reddick has emerged victorious in the 2024 Daytona 500, driving for the team owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. The dramatic finish unfolded as Chase Elliott crashed while battling Reddick, who led only the final lap to clinch NASCAR’s biggest event on February 18, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Reddick’s win marks a significant comeback after a challenging season last year, where he faced personal struggles, including his infant son’s health issues. “Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” Reddick exclaimed after crossing the finish line. This victory makes him the 25th driver to lead a lap in the Daytona 500, setting a new record.
In a heartwarming moment, Reddick celebrated with Jordan in victory lane, where they raised the Harley J. Earl trophy together. Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, joyfully announced, “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.” He will receive a Daytona 500 ring as a birthday gift, proudly noting his size 13.
Reddick’s win is particularly emotional, as he had not secured a victory since late in the 2024 season and ended a 38-race winless streak. His teammate, Bubba Wallace, who led a race-high 40 laps but finished 10th, was visibly moved by the achievement. “Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present,” Wallace stated, reflecting on the day’s emotions.
The race’s final laps were intense. After an incident involving Denny Hamlin and teammate Christopher Bell, who collided with nine laps remaining, Reddick capitalized on the chaos. As Elliott took control on the last lap, Reddick surged ahead with the help of teammate Riley Herbst, ultimately securing the win.
Jordan, who recently played a pivotal role in a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, watched the race from a suite overlooking the superspeedway. The lawsuit, which was settled just before the race, reshaped NASCAR’s revenue-sharing model. In victory lane, he expressed his disbelief and gratitude, stating, “You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive.”
The race also highlighted the evolving landscape of NASCAR, with Jordan and Hamlin now celebrating their first Daytona 500 victory together, following a tumultuous legal battle. Former winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano rounded out the podium in second and third place respectively, showcasing the fierce competition among manufacturers.
Elliott, visibly disappointed, reflected on his near win, saying, “We ended up kind of getting gifted the lead… that’s a really, really tough place to be.” His fourth-place finish still highlighted his strong performance throughout the race.
This thrilling outcome of the Daytona 500 not only marks a personal victory for Reddick but also reinforces the growing influence of new team owners like Jordan in the NASCAR landscape. As the NASCAR community celebrates this monumental day, all eyes will be on the upcoming races to see how this victory will shape the rest of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NASCAR series continues to unfold!
