NASCAR driver Reddick faces tough battle: Tumor in his son

Tyler Reddick Races with Heart in Hand After Son’s Diagnosis

In a race filled with emotions, Tyler Reddick faced the challenge of competing while his family dealt with a difficult personal situation. Reddick’s wife recently revealed that their son, Rookie, was diagnosed with a tumor in his chest that is affecting his heart. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa shared the news about her son’s health complications before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Reddick, who started from the pole position, needed the victory to stay in the fight for the Cup Series title. Shane van Gisbergen took the victory, which meant Reddick’s elimination from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position. After the race, Alexa Reddick posted an update on social media about Rookie’s condition. She explained that the tumor is “choking” the renal vein and artery, forcing the heart to work harder. This has caused an enlargement of the heart, and the 4-month-old will have to undergo surgery to remove a kidney that is no longer functioning.

“He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We are not sure when,” Alexa wrote. “Waiting is okay right now to give his heart a break while he takes blood pressure medication. They hope his heart will fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander. We have answers, but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home.”

Alexa Reddick

Alexa added that her son was happy playing and “interacting with every nurse and doctor who enters his room”. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s situation private until his wife made the news public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, where Rookie was admitted to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showed 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,” Reddick said. “That said, some of the toughest moments are definitely ahead. We’re definitely not out of the woods. There are some things we have to get through first.”

Tyler Reddick

Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, started Sunday’s race below the cut line for the drivers. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The last four drivers eliminated were Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric.

“For me, this weekend, where we’re at points, is what it is,” Reddick said. “I’m going to go out there and give it my best while I’m here, certainly. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that’s going on in the racing world is taking a back seat, as it should.”

Tyler Reddick

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, stated that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved to ensure that the Rookie receives the best attention.

“We’ve tried to do everything we can as a company to leverage every resource we can, to get second, third opinions, all the things, put it in touch with specialists,” Hamlin said. “We feel, not a relief, but it’s a small relief to know that they now understand the path forward, instead of not knowing.”

Denny Hamlin

Reddick expressed gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact on his family.

“Countless people have helped,” Reddick said. “Countless people have reached out, provided support, you name it. It’s been really eye-opening. I agree with my wife, this is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through. … Certainly, being absent [last week] wasn’t ideal.”

Tyler Reddick

Reddick added that the decision to compete in Kansas was made in conjunction with his wife, and that they felt at ease knowing their son was stable and recovering.