Concord, N.C. – Tyler Reddick faced a crucial race on Sunday, with his championship aspirations at stake, following revelations about his son’s health.The young Reddick, born in May, is facing serious health complications, according to his wife, Alexa.The couple shared details before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler started from the pole position and needed the victory to stay in contention for the Cup Series title.Shane van Gisbergen took the victory, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position.Alexa Reddick posted on social media an update on her son, Rookie’s, condition following Tyler’s performance, stating that he has “a tumor that is ‘choking’ the renal vein and renal artery, which tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’.”This has caused an enlargement of the heart, and the 4-month-old baby will need to have a kidney removed because the doctors determined that it no longer works.According to Alexa, Rookie will undergo open-heart surgery to remove his right kidney. Currently, they are waiting to allow Rookie’s heart to rest while he is on medication for blood pressure. Doctors hope his heart will fully recover.Rookie has shown joy, spending time playing and “interacting with every nurse and doctor who enters his room”.Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s health situation private until his wife made it public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, where she revealed that Rookie was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showing signs of heart failure.
Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, started Sunday’s race below the drivers’ cut line. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The last four: Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric, were eliminated.I’m really happy and it makes me feel great that I’m much better right now, but we certainly have some hurdles to overcome first before even thinking about leaving the hospital or what comes next.
Tyler Reddick
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, has shown his support and has gotten involved to ensure the best care for Rookie.For me, this weekend, where we are at points, is what it is. I’m going to go out and give my best while I’m here. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that is happening in the racing world is in the background, as it should be.
Tyler Reddick
We have tried to do everything possible as a company to take advantage of all possible resources, to get second, third opinions, all things, put it in contact with specialists.
Denny HamlinReddick expressed his gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact on his family.Reddick also mentioned that, although it was difficult to be out last week, he and his wife made the decision for him to race in Kansas, as Rookie was stable and in the right direction.Countless people have helped. Countless people have reached out, provided support, whatever. It’s been truly revealing. I agree with my wife, this is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through.
Tyler Reddick
