In an emotion-filled race in Concord, North Carolina, Tyler Reddick competed with the hope of staying in contention for the championship, while dealing with his son’s difficult health situation.
A Difficult Time for Reddick
Reddick’s wife revealed that their son, born in May, was diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart.Before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Reddick started from the pole position, the couple shared an update on their son’s health. Reddick needed a win 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. The tumor is ‘choking’ the renal vein and artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’ According to Alexa, the tumor has caused an enlargement of the heart and the 4-month-old baby will need a kidney removed. Alexa Reddick explained that her son is happy, playing and interacting with the medical staff. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s health situation private until his wife made it public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway. Reddick expressed that, although his son is improving, there are still difficult times ahead. Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, started the race below the drivers’ cut line. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The last four, Reddick, his teammate Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric, were eliminated. Reddick stated that family matters have taken priority over racing. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, mentioned that 23XI Racing has provided support to the family. Reddick expressed his gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact it has had on his family.
