Tyler Reddick's sensational victory at the 2026 Daytona 500 has brought unprecedented attention to NASCAR, significantly boosting viewership for Fox Sports. The race captivated millions, far surpassing last year's figures and re-establishing the Daytona 500 as a major draw in American sports television. This monumental event showcased not only Reddick's exceptional driving skills but also the enduring appeal of high-octane racing.
Phenomenal Ratings for Reddick's Daytona 500 Triumph
On a memorable Sunday, February 15, 2026, Tyler Reddick, representing Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, clinched a dramatic win at the Daytona International Speedway, home to the prestigious Daytona 500. This thrilling finish, where Reddick overtook leader Chase Elliott on the final turn, translated into a remarkable 7.489 million viewers for Fox Sports. This figure represents an impressive 11% surge compared to the previous year's race, underscoring the growing interest in the sport. The broadcast reached its peak between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. ET, drawing a staggering 9.154 million viewers. This made the 2026 Daytona 500 the most-watched NASCAR event since the 2023 edition, excluding any prime Winter Olympics programming. Reddick, a 30-year-old talent from Corning, California, secured his victory by executing a daring maneuver, swooping low off Turn 4 to narrowly beat Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by 0.308 seconds, even as a chaotic multi-car wreck unfolded behind them before the finish line. Joey Logano secured third place, followed by Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski. Reddick, who became only the fourth Daytona 500 winner to lead exclusively on the final lap, acknowledged the immense pressure of driving for a legendary figure like Michael Jordan, stating, "Last year was really hard for us, hard for me. When you're a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, you're expected to win every single year." Despite his strong performance, Chase Elliott expressed his disappointment, noting, "This really sucks to be that close, come off Turn 4 with the lead and not finish it off."
Reddick's triumph at the Daytona 500 not only solidified his place in racing history but also demonstrated the magnetic power of dramatic sports events to capture a broad audience. This victory underscores the excitement and unpredictability that NASCAR continues to offer, promising a vibrant future for the sport and its broadcasts.