A moment Michael Jordan has quietly carried with him for more than four decades finally became reality on Sunday at the 68th running of the Daytona 500.
What began as a childhood fascination with racing evolved into a historic achievement when Tyler Reddick, driving the No.45 for Jordan’s 23XI Racing, crossed the finish line first in NASCAR‘s seasonopening “Great American Race.”
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, could hardly contain his excitement after Reddick‘s dramatic win. Speaking to FOX Sports’ Jamie Little in Victory Lane, Jordan admitted the feeling was akin to winning a championship himself.
“I’m ecstatic. I don’t even know what to say,” he said, adding that it “feels like I won a championship”, a rare emotional moment for someone so accustomed to athletic triumphs.
The roots of Jordan‘s love for NASCAR stretch back to 1982, when a young fan met legendary driver Richard Petty, a seventime Daytona 500 winner.
That encounter sparked a passion that would later influence his life off the basketball court. In 2020, Jordan co-founded 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin, turning his admiration for the sport into a competitive team that would rapidly rise to prominence.
Over the years, 23XI Racing has grown into one of NASCAR’s most closely watched teams, blending star power, technical expertise, and a culture of collaboration that now culminates in Daytona glory.
Race defined by strategy, chaos and teamwork
Sunday’s race offered drama from start to finish. Reddick, who had struggled for wins in 2025, maneuvered through a chaotic final lap with precision.
As top contenders battled side by side, Reddick received a timely push from teammate Riley Herbst to pass Chase Elliott. Behind them, several drivers collided in a multi-car wreck, leaving Reddick alone at the front to take the checkered flag.
Jordan praised the teamwork that made the victory possible.
“We have four guys really fighting, helping each other out. You never know how these races are going to end; you just try to survive. Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end. That shows what teamwork really does,” he said.
Bubba Wallace, who led the most laps, finished in the top 10, and all 23XI Racing drivers scored top-ten finishes despite the late-race chaos.
This milestone represents far more than a win on the track for Jordan. After navigating high-profile legal challenges with NASCAR in 2025, seeing his team succeed at Daytona signifies resilience, strategic patience, and the fulfillment of a dream that began nearly 44 years ago.
From a young fan admiring Petty to a team owner celebrating Daytona 500 glory, Michael Jordan has proven that his competitive spirit transcends the basketball court and now leaves a lasting mark on NASCAR history.
