Daytona 500 chaos: NBA icon’s team snatches glory in dramatic finale
Tyler Reddick has powered his 23XI Racing Toyota to a stunning Daytona 500 victory, overtaking Chase Elliott on a chaotic final lap to deliver a landmark win for team co-owner Michael Jordan.
The triumph provides an early 63rd birthday present for the basketball legend, who co-owns the outfit alongside three-time race winner Denny Hamlin.
It was a finish of high drama at the ‘Great American Race’, with the victor leading only the final lap to the chequered flag.
Late collision decides title
Chase Elliott appeared destined to finally claim his maiden Daytona 500 title after leader Carson Hocevar was spun off the track.
However, the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s hopes were dashed in the dying moments of the event.
A surging Reddick made contact with Elliott, sending the Chevrolet Camaro crashing out of contention while the Toyota Camry sailed through to victory lane.
Hamlin, despite his ownership success, endured a difficult afternoon behind the wheel for Joe Gibbs Racing.
The veteran was involved in a collision with teammate Christopher Bell with nine laps remaining, setting up the frantic four-lap sprint to the finish.
Triumph amid legal tensions
The result carries significant weight beyond the track, following a turbulent period regarding the sport’s business model.
Jordan was a central figure in a federal antitrust lawsuit regarding revenue sharing, which was settled just days into the trial in December.
Reddick’s win completed a clean sweep of victories at Daytona for owners involved in the legal dispute, following wins for Bob Jenkins and Richard Childress in the support series.
Despair for Elliott
While the six-time NBA champion celebrated, Elliott was left to reflect on what might have been.
The son of Hall of Famer Bill Elliott sat dejected on the track wall after climbing from his wrecked car, eventually classified in fourth place.
Former winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Joey Logano completed the podium, ensuring Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford were all represented in the top three.