The Daytona 500 once again delivered its signature blend of high-speed drama and controversy, cementing its status as NASCAR's most unpredictable spectacle. In a race that could have catapulted an underdog to glory, it was Tyler Reddick who emerged victorious, driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing and putting a disappointing 2025 season firmly in the rearview mirror. The win didn't come without its share of debate, however, as a teammate's split-second decision and the absence of a final-lap caution flag became the center of intense discussion among drivers, teams, and fans alike.
For the casual observer, the event offered everything that makes superspeedway racing compelling: vibrant cars racing in tight, three-wide formations, pre-race pageantry that never fails to impress, and the constant threat of chaos that keeps viewers on edge. Yet beneath the surface spectacle lay strategic calculations and controversial moments that would dominate post-race conversations for days to come.
Michael Jordan's Victory Lane Celebration
It would be impossible to discuss this Daytona 500 without highlighting the involvement of basketball legend Michael Jordan, co-owner of the winning team. Jordan's presence in Victory Lane brought an extra layer of star power to an already momentous occasion. True to his championship pedigree from his NBA days, Jordan made sure to acknowledge the contributions of every team member, including those whose roles might have gone unnoticed by the casual fan.
Jordan specifically praised Riley Herbst, a driver whose name suddenly became central to the race's narrative. This acknowledgment wasn't just ceremonial; it reflected the complex team dynamics that define modern NASCAR, particularly at restrictor-plate tracks where cooperation can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The marketing value of Jordan's spontaneous joy was undeniable, providing 23XI Racing with priceless publicity that will resonate far beyond the traditional NASCAR audience.
The Riley Herbst Dilemma: Hero or Goat?
For those unfamiliar with Riley Herbst, his 2025 rookie season offered little indication that he would become a pivotal figure in NASCAR's biggest race. With an average finish of 26th and zero top-10 performances, he entered Daytona as a supporting player at best. Yet superspeedway racing has a way of elevating unexpected characters, and Herbst found himself thrust into the spotlight during the race's critical final moments.
As the field thundered toward the checkered flag, Herbst occupied a position directly behind Chase Elliott's Chevrolet. Ahead of them both, Reddick made his move to the low lane, attempting to pass Elliott for the lead. Herbst faced a millisecond decision that would define his race: stay behind Elliott, follow Reddick low to provide a push, or take an alternative route.
Multiple replays suggest Herbst had a clear path to drop down behind his teammate and potentially shove Reddick to an even more decisive victory. Instead, he snapped his No. 35 Toyota to the high side just as Brad Keselowski, with teammate Joey Logano behind him, was making a run. The decision effectively blocked Keselowski's momentum while leaving Reddick to fend for himself against Elliott.
Keselowski's Blunt Assessment
Brad Keselowski didn't mince words when evaluating Herbst's move. In immediate post-race television interviews, he called it "one of the dumbest things I've ever seen," expressing frustration that a rare opportunity for a thrilling photo finish had been squandered. Keselowski elaborated on his social media account, posting: "If the 35 (Herbst) goes low and pushed the 45, we photo-finish at the line for the win of the Daytona 500. Who knows, maybe we still all wreck."
This analysis highlights the delicate balance between individual ambition and team strategy in NASCAR. While Herbst's primary obligation was to his teammate Reddick, his high-line move served his own interests by maintaining track position, albeit at the cost of potentially delivering a more exciting finish. The incident raises questions about how much a driver should sacrifice personal gain for team success, especially when that driver is still establishing himself in the sport.
The Missing Caution Flag Controversy
Adding another layer of complexity to the finish was NASCAR's decision not to throw the caution flag when the first of two crashes erupted just beyond the white flag. In previous races, officials might have immediately triggered the yellow lights, freezing the field and potentially altering the outcome. This time, they allowed the race to continue to its conclusion under green, a decision that drew both praise for its entertainment value and criticism for its inconsistency.
The situation prompted memories of the late journalist David Poole's famous mantra: "You'll get that in big-time auto racing." The phrase captures the inherent unpredictability and sometimes controversial nature of the sport's officiating. At superspeedway events, where crashes are frequent and often involve multiple cars, the line between racing back to the line and ensuring safety becomes increasingly blurred.
Plate Racing Dynamics and Team Ethics
What makes this Daytona 500 particularly fascinating is how it encapsulates the unique challenges of restrictor-plate racing. At Daytona and Talladega, cars are artificially equalized through engine limitations, creating pack racing where drafting partners are essential for success. This environment breeds complex team alliances and ethical dilemmas that don't exist at other tracks.
The practice of teammates assisting each other is not just accepted but expected. When a driver from a multi-car team finds themselves in position to help a teammate win, tradition suggests they should take that opportunity. However, the degree of sacrifice required remains a gray area. Should a driver give up their own chance at a career-defining upset for the good of the organization? Does loyalty to a teammate outweigh personal ambition?
Herbst's decision suggests he prioritized his own track position over maximizing his teammate's advantage. While not necessarily wrong from a self-preservation standpoint, it contradicts the unwritten code that has governed NASCAR's team dynamics for decades. Veterans like Keselowski, who have both benefited from and been victimized by these situations throughout their careers, clearly expected a different choice.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Season
As the NASCAR circuit moves forward from Daytona, the repercussions of this race will linger. For Tyler Reddick, the victory provides momentum and validation after a challenging 2025 campaign. For 23XI Racing, it represents a high-profile success that justifies their investment and attracts potential sponsors. For Riley Herbst, it creates a complicated legacy—he played a role in a Daytona 500 win, yet his decision-making was publicly questioned by one of the sport's most respected drivers.
The controversy also reignites discussion about NASCAR's officiating consistency. Will the decision to let the race finish under green set a precedent for future events? Or will officials revert to more conservative approaches when similar situations arise? The answer will shape how drivers approach the closing laps at future superspeedway events.
Ultimately, the 2025 Daytona 500 will be remembered not just for Michael Jordan's celebration or Tyler Reddick's redemption, but for the ethical and strategic questions it raised about teamwork, self-interest, and the fine line between smart racing and missed opportunities. In a sport where fractions of seconds determine outcomes, the choices made in those fleeting moments define careers, championships, and legacies. As David Poole might have said, that's just part of big-time auto racing—and it's what keeps millions of fans coming back for more.