Tyler Reddick Faces Difficult Moments Off the Track
Pilot Tyler Reddick raced on Sunday with championship hopes on the line, after it was revealed that his newborn son was diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart. The news was shared by his wife, Alexa Reddick, generating a wave of support and solidarity.
The son of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May and, according to Alexa’s update, is dealing with serious health complications. The couple shared details before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler was starting from the pole position and needed a win to stay in contention for the Cup Series title.
Shane van Gisbergen won the race, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position.
The tumor is ‘choking’ the renal vein and artery. It’s telling the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’.
Alexa Reddick explained on social media that the tumor has caused an enlargement of the heart and that her 4-month-old son will need to have a kidney removed, as doctors determined that it no longer functions.
The surgery to remove the right kidney still has no date. Meanwhile, the little one receives medication to control blood pressure, hoping that his heart will fully recover.
Despite the situation, the little one remains cheerful, playing and interacting with the medical staff. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s situation private until his wife decided to make it public.
Reddick commented on his son’s health, highlighting that, although the situation is difficult, the little one has shown improvement. “There are some difficult moments ahead. We are not out of danger. There are some things we must overcome first,” said the driver.
Reddick, who reached the championship final last year, entered Sunday’s race below the cut line. The field was reduced from 12 to eight drivers after the race, eliminating Reddick, his teammate Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric.
Reddick’s car co-owner, Denny Hamlin, assured that the 23XI Racing team has provided support to the family, seeking the best medical care options for the child. Hamlin expressed relief knowing that there is now a clear path forward, and highlighted Reddick’s strength in maintaining high performance on the track despite the situation.
Reddick thanked for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact that the situation has had on his family. “A countless number of people have helped,” said Reddick. “It has been truly revealing. I agree with my wife, this is the most difficult thing I have had to go through.”
The decision to compete in the Kansas race was made in conjunction with his wife, prioritizing the stability of the little one. “I wanted to get off that plane so badly on Sunday night and go back to the hospital,” he concluded.
