Michael Jordan continues his legendary sports records after one of his NASCAR drivers claimed a dramatic victory in the 2026 Daytona 500 as a team owner. The six-time NBA champion, who turned 63 on Tuesday, adds a new sports trophy to his illustrious trophy cabinet.
As expected, Michael Jordan’s fans across social media are buzzing with excitement, sharing in the legend’s happiness. Here’s more to the story.
Social Media Erupts After Michael Jordan’s Team Win Daytona 500
Tyler Reddick emerged from an unexpected final lap to win NASCAR’s biggest race in a car owned by the basketball legend, who is in the thick of triumphant celebrations after his first major achievements with 23XI Racing.
Speaking with reporters following the victory, MJ highlighted four drivers who “were helping each other out” during the game. Addressing the typical uncertainty surrounding events like the Daytona 500, MJ calls out the team’s unique strategy of hanging on with hope till the game’s end.
Reddick, who drove a Toyota at 23XI Racing, led only one lap during the race, the final lap. The victory means MJ would get a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday, especially after the basketball icon announced that he wore a size 13 during the celebrations.
30-year-old Reddick won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and first time since late in the 2024 season. At best, during the 2025 season, Reddick finished second in the Daytona 500.
Announcing the victory on social media, X page @ClutchPoints tweeted:
“This past Sunday, MJ added to his own trophy case as he won the 2026 Daytona 500 as a team owner, led by racer Tyler Reddick 🏆🏁
Not a bad way to kick off a birthday week for the GOAT 🐐”
Michael Jordan has a portfolio that has been notable across sports.
As outstanding a career as he had as a basketball player, his young tenure as a NASCAR team owner is already notably more successful than his time owning an NBA team.
When he was the majority owner of the… pic.twitter.com/5Mep23dm7O
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2026
Reacting to the victory.
@ChillOnes8ohm says: “And on his birthday – dude a winner.”
@researchUSAI comments: “Basketball god graduates to checkered flags without breaking a sweat.”
@ItsSelenaMaris celebrates: “So Jordan finally gets a “win” in a race he didn’t even drive? Congrats…”
@EvanGuthrie adds: “Made it happen 🚗”
@TazTears comments: “and what a win it was !!”
While he was the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets franchise from 2010 to 2023, Michael Jordan’s teams won 0 playoff series despite 2 postseason appearances, both of which ended in 1st-round exits. Now, in a different sport, and as a racing car co-owner, MJ has finally lifted another major trophy in his cinematic sports career.
