Tyler Reddick has made history in NASCAR by winning the first three races of the 2026 season, securing a remarkable milestone for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team. This achievement marks another significant victory for Jordan, now known for his success beyond basketball, as the team dominated at Daytona, Atlanta, and the Circuit of The Americas.
Reddick’s unprecedented sweep began at the Daytona 500 and continued through the following two races, establishing him as the first driver ever to claim victories in the first trio of events in a single NASCAR season. This impressive feat not only reaffirms Jordan’s competitive spirit but also highlights the impact of the 23XI Racing team within the motorsports world.
How Tyler Reddick’s Early NASCAR Wins Cement Jordan’s Legacy in Racing
Michael Jordan, whose basketball career includes two historic three-peats with the Chicago Bulls, is now seeing a similar pattern of dominance unfold in NASCAR through Tyler Reddick’s performance. After years of trying to find success as an NBA team owner with the Charlotte Hornets—and facing setbacks that included severing friendships and selling the team—Jordan has refocused his competitive drive within 23XI Racing.
Following Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory, Jordan briefly faced controversy, but video evidence cleared any misunderstanding. Supported by outspoken advocates like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Jordan stayed focused on the racing season. Acknowledging the pressure on Reddick, the team’s driver remained steadfast, capturing wins at Atlanta and then at the Circuit of The Americas, where he crossed the finish line first to complete the historic three-peat.
DAYTONA 🏆 ATLANTA 🏆 COTA 🏆Tyler Reddick makes NASCAR history for Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, sweeping the first three races of the season for the first time ever! pic.twitter.com/JPQNe2gV9s— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 1, 2026
Michael Jordan Praises Teamwork and Co-Owner Denny Hamlin’s Vision
Although Jordan’s reputation in basketball was built on his unmatched skill and leadership, he emphasized the collective effort behind this new three-peat in racing. Credit was given to Tyler Reddick for driving skillfully and to the team for assembling the winning cars, with particular praise for co-owner Denny Hamlin’s instrumental role in shaping the team.
He had the chance to win three in a row, that’s the hardest one to win, you know… The guys put together a great car… Tyler did a good job… I’m proud of the team that we put together… I just put up the money. I’m just a competitor. Michael Jordan said
Jordan recognized that while he is known as a competitor, the lasting success depends on the teamwork and strategic decisions made behind the scenes. The pairing of Reddick and fellow 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace at the top of the driver standings indicates the depth of talent within the team.
“I’m just a competitor.”We don’t think MJ can miss a race now. 😅 pic.twitter.com/gr7VZ3O3JZ— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 2, 2026
Looking ahead, Jordan confirmed his intention to support Reddick and the team at upcoming events, including the Phoenix race, where the possibility of extending the streak with a fourth consecutive win remains a tantalizing prospect.
Michael Jordan’s Influence Extends Beyond the Track
Jordan’s impact on sports continues to grow as his success transcends basketball and motorsports. Around the same time that Reddick claimed victory at the Circuit of The Americas, a milestone was achieved in the world of sports memorabilia. A rare 1997 Ultra Michael Jordan Masterpiece 1/1 PSA 8 card sold for $2.1 million at Heritage Auction, underscoring Jordan’s lasting appeal.
JUST SOLD 🤯The 1997 Ultra Michael Jordan Masterpiece 1/1 PSA 8 just sold for $2.1M (including Buyer’s Premium) via @HeritageAuction 💰This isn’t just another rare Jordan: it’s the first-ever 1-of-1 card ever produced of MJ and the origin point of the modern one-of-one era.… pic.twitter.com/OmbrHW5sGi— Sports Card Investor (@SportsCardInv) March 1, 2026
This card is recognized as the first one-of-one Michael Jordan trading card, marking the beginning of the modern era of unique sports collectibles. Though other cards, including an Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card featuring Kobe Bryant, have fetched even higher prices at $12.9 million, the value of this Jordan card highlights his unique position among athletes whose memorabilia commands record-breaking attention from collectors.
Jordan’s legacy persists both on the racing circuit and in the marketplace, where his memorabilia’s price growth parallels his competitive successes. As 23XI Racing continues to perform, Jordan’s crossover achievements inspire fans and collectors alike, demonstrating the breadth of his influence across sports disciplines.
DAYTONA 🏆 ATLANTA 🏆 COTA 🏆
Tyler Reddick makes NASCAR history for Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, sweeping the first three races of the season for the first time ever! pic.twitter.com/JPQNe2gV9s
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 1, 2026
"I'm just a competitor."
We don't think MJ can miss a race now. 😅 pic.twitter.com/gr7VZ3O3JZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 2, 2026
JUST SOLD 🤯
The 1997 Ultra Michael Jordan Masterpiece 1/1 PSA 8 just sold for $2.1M (including Buyer's Premium) via @HeritageAuction 💰
This isn’t just another rare Jordan: it’s the first-ever 1-of-1 card ever produced of MJ and the origin point of the modern one-of-one era.… pic.twitter.com/OmbrHW5sGi
— Sports Card Investor (@SportsCardInv) March 1, 2026
