Jordan Wins Daytona 500 After Beating NASCAR in Court

Tyler Reddick delivered Michael Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory Sunday with a last-lap pass that sent the NBA legend into a frantic celebration at Daytona International Speedway.

The California driver, who grew up in Corning before making his way to NASCAR’s top series, led only one lap - the one that counted. Reddick’s Toyota surged past another driver in the final moments to give Jordan’s 23XI Racing team victory in stock car racing’s biggest event.

“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,” Jordan said in victory lane, where he bear-hugged Reddick and jointly hoisted the Harley J. Earl trophy. Jordan, who turns 63 on Tuesday, made sure everyone knew he wears a size 13 ring.

Reddick was the 25th different driver to lead a lap Sunday, setting a new Daytona 500 record.

“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” Reddick said. “I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I’d be Daytona 500 champion.”

For Reddick, 30, the victory ended a difficult period. He went winless last year while focusing on his infant son, who was found to have a tumor in his chest that affected his heart. Reddick had finished second in last year’s Daytona 500 and won for the ninth time in the Cup Series, snapping a 38-race losing streak.

Team co-owner Denny Hamlin finished 31st in Sunday’s bid to become the third driver in history to win four Daytona 500s. At 45, Hamlin is the oldest full-time driver in the Cup Series.

Reddick’s teammate Bubba Wallace led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th. Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace in victory lane and spoke encouragement into his ear.

“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,” Wallace said.

Hamlin, who also drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, was involved in the final caution when he and teammate Christopher Bell collided.