The driver Tyler Reddick faced a challenging personal situation while competing in Sunday’s race, with his championship hopes on the line. Recently, his wife revealed that their newborn son was diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa shared last week that the baby has been dealing with serious health complications. The couple provided an update before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler started from the pole and needed the victory to stay in contention for the Cup Series title. Shane van Gisbergen won the race, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth place. Alexa Reddick posted a social media update on Rookie’s condition after her husband’s race, indicating that he has a “tumor that ‘is choking’ the renal vein and artery, telling the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder'”. She explained that this has caused an enlargement of the heart and that the 4-month-old baby will need to have a kidney removed because the doctors determined that it is no longer functioning.
He added that his son was happy spending time blowing bubbles, playing, and “interacting with every nurse and doctor who enters his room.” Tyler Reddick had kept the situation of his son’s health private until his wife made it public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, when she revealed that Rookie was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showing signs of heart failure. Reddick spoke about Rookie’s health in Charlotte.He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We’re just not sure when. Waiting is okay at this point to give his heart a break while he’s on blood pressure medication. They expect his heart to 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 final of last year’s championship, entered Sunday’s race below the cut line for the drivers. 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.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. All that being said, some of the most difficult moments are definitely ahead. We’re definitely not out of the woods. There are a few 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 to get the best attention for Rookie.For me, this weekend, where we are at points, is what it is. I’m going to go out and give it my best while I’m here, certainly. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that’s happening in the racing world is taking a back seat, as it should.
Tyler Reddick
Reddick, meanwhile, thanked for the support that he and his family have received and reflected on the emotional impact this has had on his family.We have tried to do everything possible as a company to take advantage of all the resources we can, to get second, third opinions, all things, put it in contact with specialists. We feel, not a relief, but it’s a small relief that they now understand what the path to follow is, compared to not knowing.
Denny Hamlin
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.
Tyler Reddick
