Michael Jordan is back to his winning ways.
The former NBA great, who won six championships during his career with the Chicago Bulls, won the 2026 Daytona 500 on Sunday. Jordan's 23XI driver, Tyler Reddick, took home the checkered flag at the first big race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
"It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know," Jordan said after the race.
Reddick was thrilled, obviously. So, too, was 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin.
"He loves his race team," Hamlin said. "I was like, 'You know, you guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan. You have that power and nobody else can do it.'
"There's nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do and they took it to heart."
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 02: Michael Jordan and wife Yvette Prieto watches the Leo Santa Cruz against Jose Cayetano featherweight bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Harry How/Getty Images
Winning, of course, is in Michael Jordan's DNA.
But growing up as one of Michael Jordan's children had to be tough. Jordan's ex-wife, Juanita, actually had a strict sports rule for their children.
Jordan's wife wouldn't let their kids wear No. 23
Michael Jordan's ex-wife, Juanita Jordan, wouldn't let their kids wear No. 23 when playing spots. She didn't want them to be pressured.
"For my sons, when they were playing basketball, ... the coaches always wanted them to wear the number 23 because their dad was number 23," Juanita revealed.
She made it clear that she wanted them to have their own path in life - and sports.
"It was important to me that they learn not to try to be their dad," Juanita stressed.
Juanita Jordan wanted them to develop on their own time.
"They needed to understand that they had to develop their own skills and they needed to work hard and learn how to manage their own challenges," she said.
Michael and Juanita ended up getting divorced in 2006.
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