Tyler Reddick has addressed the online backlash that followed a Victory Lane video from the 2026 Daytona 500. The clip showed Michael Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau, during the celebration. Some people on social media questioned the moment. Reddick made it clear he saw nothing wrong.
Speaking about the reaction, he said, “I’ve gotten to know Michael and his family very well… I don’t see what other people see.”
A Historic Win for 23XI Racing
On February 15, 2026, Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing. He passed Chase Elliott on the final lap with help from teammate Riley Herbst. Reddick led only the final lap, the fewest laps led by a winner in the race’s history.
The win was his ninth in the Cup Series and the first Daytona 500 victory for 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. After the race, Jordan said, “It feels like I won a championship.”
The team had a strong overall result. Bubba Wallace finished 10th, Herbst was eighth, and Corey Heim placed 28th.
What Happened in Victory Lane After Tyler’s Dominance
During the post-race celebration, Michael Jordan reached toward Beau’s lower back and tugged at his shirt while champagne sprayed and people crowded around.
A short clip of that moment spread online. Some critics called it “inappropriate” and even wrote “straight to jail” in reaction posts. Others said Jordan appeared to be removing ice that had slipped under the child’s shirt.
Neither Jordan nor 23XI Racing released an official statement.
Tyler Reddick Calls It a Non-Issue
Tyler Reddick addressed the situation during an appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s SiriusXM show. He said the focus should remain on the race and the achievement.
He described it as “the biggest moment of my career” and dismissed the criticism surrounding the clip.
He also said racing for Jordan is a “dream come true.” Reddick pointed to the shared celebration, including Jordan’s wife Yvette Prieto, and said the moment was about the team and their families enjoying the win.
Stephen A. Smith supported that view and defended the context of the celebration.
For Reddick and 23XI Racing, the Daytona 500 victory remains the main story. The team secured its first win in NASCAR’s biggest race, and Reddick strengthened his position as a title contender in 2026. He has made it clear that he stands by Jordan and considers the matter settled.
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