Tyler Reddick wins 2026 Daytona 500

Fox News correspondent Madison Scarpino details racetrack conditions at the sold-out Daytona 500 on ‘Fox News Live.’ 

The 2026 Daytona 500 proved once again that it’s the last lap that counts.

Tyler Reddick, who drives for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, was in first place when he crossed the line at Daytona International Speedway and won the Daytona 500 for the first time in his career. He didn’t lead a single lap until the very end.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, and Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Spectrum Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida.  (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota, lifts the Harley J. Earl Trophy in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Reddick was behind Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar when the final lap started. Hocevar was trying to hold off the pack, but Erik Jones got into the back of him going into Turn 1. McDowell was caught up in the wreck and the drivers fell off the pace.

But no caution flag was flying. Reddick had to avoid the carnage in front of him even as William Byron bounced off him. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. had the lead for a split second, but Chase Elliott took over down the backstretch.

Elliott was vying with Zane Smith as they entered the final turns. Reddick was behind them and Riley Herbst was in fourth place. Reddick went high and got around Smith. He then knifed his way to the bottom to get around Elliott.

As the group got to the