NASCAR’s Reddick: Newborn son with chest tumor and heart problems

In a weekend marked by emotion and uncertainty, driver Tyler Reddick competed with his championship hopes on the line. The news of his son, Rookie’s, diagnosis with a chest tumor affecting his heart, shocked the world of motorsports. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May and has faced serious health problems. Alexa revealed details about her son’s condition before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Despite starting in the pole position, Reddick needed a win to stay in contention for the Cup Series title. However, Shane van Gisbergen took the victory, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs, who finished in tenth place.

She has a tumor that is ‘choking’ the renal vein and artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’.

Alexa Reddick

The situation has caused Rookie’s heart to enlarge, and he will need a kidney removed because the doctors determined that it is no longer functioning correctly. Alexa shared details about the surgery her son will undergo. The little one will undergo open-heart surgery to remove his right kidney. Although the exact date has not been defined, the heart is expected to fully recover. Despite the difficult situation, Rookie shows joy, enjoying activities such as blowing bubbles and interacting with the medical staff. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s health situation private until his wife decided to make it public before the race at Kansas Speedway. Reddick expressed his happiness for his son’s improvement, although he acknowledged future challenges. In Sunday’s race, the field was reduced from 12 to eight drivers. Reddick, along with Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric, were eliminated. Reddick stated that, at this moment, the situation on the track takes a backseat to what is happening in the personal sphere. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, highlighted the support provided by 23XI Racing to ensure the best medical care for Rookie. Hamlin expressed relief at knowing that the path forward is now understood, and that the company has provided all possible support. Reddick thanked for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact on his family. The pilot acknowledged that this situation has been the most difficult he has faced.