Reddick: Son of the NASCAR driver, with a chest tumor and complications

In a weekend marked by tension and hope, driver Tyler Reddick competed with his championship aspirations at stake. The news of the diagnosis of a tumor in the chest of his newborn son, affecting his heart, kept everyone on edge. The little one, born in May, has been dealing with serious health complications. The couple shared updates before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Reddick started from the pole position and needed a victory to stay in the fight for the title. Despite the effort, Shane van Gisbergen took the victory, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position. Reddick’s wife, Alexa, revealed on social media details about her son’s condition, including the presence of a tumor that “chokes” the renal vein and artery, affecting the heart. This has caused an enlargement of the heart, and a non-functioning kidney will need to be removed. He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We are not sure when. Alexa also mentioned that her son is happy, playing and interacting with the medical staff. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s situation private until his wife shared the news before the race at Kansas Speedway, revealing that the little one was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, showing signs of heart failure. Reddick talked about his son’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 championship final last year, entered Sunday’s race below the cut line. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The last four, Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric, were eliminated. Reddick’s car co-owner, Denny Hamlin, assured that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved so that the little one receives the best care. Reddick thanked for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact this has had on his family. The New Zealand driver was the big favorite, and any driver hoping to avoid elimination from the playoffs needed to beat van Gisbergen. The race car driver added: “Countless people have helped. Countless people have reached out, provided support, whatever. It’s been really revealing. I agree with my wife, this is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through. Certainly, being out [last week] wasn’t ideal.”