Reddick runs with his heart: NASCAR driver’s son has a tumor in his chest

In a race full of emotions and challenges, Tyler Reddick competed with his championship hopes put to the test, after his wife recently revealed their son’s diagnosis with a chest tumor affecting his heart. The young Reddick, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa shared last week that her son is facing serious health complications. The couple provided an update before Sunday’s race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Reddick, who started from the pole position, needed a victory to stay in contention for the Cup Series title. However, Shane van Gisbergen took the victory, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position. The tumor is “strangling” the renal vein and artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’. Alexa Reddick, through social media, reported on the Rookie’s condition after the race. The tumor has caused an enlargement of the heart. The 4-month-old baby will need a kidney removed, as doctors determined it is no longer functioning. Alexa also commented that her son was happy, spending time playing, blowing bubbles, and interacting with the medical staff. 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 Rookie was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, showing signs of heart failure. Reddick spoke about Rookie’s health in Charlotte.

Healthier probably isn’t the right word, but I’ve never seen him happier. His color looks good. He’s gained weight. A lot of things are going well.

Tyler Reddick

Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, started Sunday’s race below the cut line. The group was reduced from 12 to eight drivers after the race. The last four eliminated were Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, stated that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved so that Rookie receives the best possible attention.

We’ve tried to do everything we can as a company to leverage all the resources we can, to get second and third opinions, all the things, put him in touch with specialists.

Denny HamlinReddick expressed gratitude for the support he and his family received, reflecting on the emotional impact this has had on his family. Your child’s health situation has been the most difficult challenge you have faced.