Daytona 500 Glory: Tyler Reddick Led Toyota’s Charge
For the first time since 2020, Toyota is back on top in the Great American Race. Last Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, Tyler Reddick delivered a masterclass in survival, strategy, and speed to capture his first Daytona 500 victory — and Toyota’s fourth in the event’s storied history. The win marks a milestone moment not only for Reddick, but also for 23XI Racing, which celebrates its first Daytona 500 triumph.
A Breakthrough Moment for Toyota
Reddick’s victory is Toyota’s first in the Daytona 500 since 2020 and continues a dominant stretch in NASCAR’s biggest races. With wins in the Brickyard 400, the Southern 500, and now the Daytona 500, Toyota has claimed three consecutive Crown Jewel events.
Co-owner Denny Hamlin now holds a unique distinction: he has been part of all four of Toyota’s Daytona 500 wins — three as a driver (2016, 2019, 2020) and now as a team owner. “This is exactly the way to start,” said Tyler Gibbs, president of TRD U.S.A., noting the massive championship points boost that comes with a season-opening victory.
How the Final Lap Unfolded
The closing laps were classic Daytona chaos. A late crash split the field, leaving Reddick in a precarious three-wide situation. But teamwork made the difference. Teammate Riley Herbst gave Reddick the push he needed to regain momentum and surge back toward the leaders. From there, Reddick made the decisive move — keeping momentum on his side and refusing to commit to pushing another car. When Herbst moved high alongside Chase Elliott, the opening appeared. Reddick shot through and never looked back.
“I had that weird moment where I think everyone was too busy screaming and I was like, ‘did we win?’” Reddick said. “As a kid, I grew up watching the Daytona 500 with my family… and just dreamed of being a NASCAR Cup Series driver one day. We did it today.”
Toyota’s Finishing Positions
Toyota’s presence was felt throughout the field, leading 103 of 200 laps — more than half the race.
Here’s how Toyota drivers finished:
- 1st – Tyler Reddick
- 8th – Riley Herbst
- 10th – Bubba Wallace (also led a race-high 40 laps)
- 21st – Erik Jones
- 23rd – Ty Gibbs
- 26th – John Hunter Nemechek (19 laps led)
- 28th – Corey Heim
- 29th – Jimmie Johnson
- 31st – Denny Hamlin
- 35th – Christopher Bell
- 36th – Chase Briscoe (23 laps led)
While not every Toyota made it to the front at the finish, the manufacturer’s strength was undeniable. Multiple Camrys led significant laps, and three 23XI Racing entries finished inside the top 10 — a statement performance to open the 2026 season.
Teamwork, Speed, and Strategy
Toyota’s day wasn’t just about raw pace. It was about coordination. Fuel strategy came into play. Drafting alliances mattered. And in the end, teamwork — particularly between Reddick and Herbst — proved decisive. “At the end of the day, there is a Camry in victory lane,” Gibbs said. “Just really good to see the speed in our Camrys.”
A Championship Tone-Setter
With 36 races on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar, the Daytona 500 sets the tone for the year. For Reddick, 23XI Racing, and Toyota, the tone is clear: they’re here to contend. A Daytona 500 trophy. Maximum early-season points. Three straight Crown Jewel wins for the manufacturer. Toyota didn’t just win the season opener — they made a statement.
