Tyler Reddick Races with Heart on the Line: A Father’s Fight on the Track
The driver Tyler Reddick faced a crucial race, with his championship aspirations on the line, while his family is going through a difficult time. Recently, his wife revealed that their son, Rookie, has been diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May and has been dealing with serious health complications. The couple shared details before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler started from the pole position, needing the victory to stay in the fight for the Cup Series title. Shane van Gisbergen won the race, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position.After the race, Alexa Reddick posted on social media an update on Rookie’s condition. She revealed that she has a “tumor that is ‘choking’ the renal vein and artery, telling 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 doctors determined that it no longer functions.Alexa added that her son is 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 the news public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway. Reddick commented on Rookie’s health in Charlotte.“He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We’re just not sure when,” she wrote. “Waiting is okay right now to give his heart a break while he’s on blood pressure medication. They are hoping 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
Reddick, who reached the championship final last year, entered Sunday’s race below the drivers’ cut line. 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.“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. “All that being 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
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, said that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved in getting the best attention for Rookie.“For me, this weekend, where we’re at, 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 backseat, as it should be.”
Tyler Reddick
Reddick started alongside van Gisbergen, who won for the fifth consecutive time on a road or street circuit. The New Zealander was the big favorite, and any driver hoping to avoid elimination from the playoffs needed to beat van Gisbergen. Meanwhile, Reddick expressed gratitude for the support he and his family have received and reflected on the emotional impact this has had on his family.“We’ve tried to do everything we can as a company to leverage all the resources 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 that they now understand what the path forward is, instead of not knowing.”
Denny Hamlin
Reddick’s decision to compete in Kansas was made in conjunction with his wife, prioritizing Rookie stability. Reddick returned to the hospital as soon as possible.“Countless people have helped,” Reddick said. “Countless people have reached out, provided support, whatever. 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
