Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500 on Sunday with a multi-car crash unfolding just behind him as he crossed the finish line. He also has positive updates on his younger son’s health after his first victory in NASCAR’s most famous race.
The Cup Series’ season opener at the Daytona 500 saw more than two dozen lead changes, and Reddick took the lead only on the final lap after starting the race well outside the top 20. On the final lap, a wreck broke out behind the leaders and opened a lane for Reddick. and the 23XI Racing No. 45 Toyota driver powered past Chase Elliott and used a last-second push from his 23XI Racing teammate to slide ahead and take the checkered flag.
Reddick, who spent the off-season taking care of his son to help in recovery from a serious surgery. His infant son, Rookie, battled serious health issues that included heart failure triggered by a tumor near his kidney. In an interview with Good Morning America, Reddick, while racing at the highest level, gave a positive update on Rookie’s progress.
“Thankfully for me when we came to Daytona this year, Rookie’s happy and healthy and when we got here a couple days ago in the bus, he really started crawling,” Tyler Reddick said (06:05).
Reddick explained that his wife trusted her instincts and pushed for a medical evaluation after Rookie began showing signs of going ‘the wrong way’ in his health. He also said the support from friends and fellow NASCAR Cup drivers helped him and his family through the emotional ordeal.
“Having Everyone’s Support Just Along the Way Was Incredible” – Tyler Reddick Talks About Support From NASCAR Community During Tough Times
Tyler Reddick snapped a 38-race winless streak on Sunday and got a meaningful way to start the new season with his family by his side at Daytona.
During the interview, the 30-year-old explained how he managed to balance racing with support from 23XI Racing’s team and Rick Hendrick and others helping with logistics at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Michael [Jordon, 23XI co-owner] and everybody at 23 XI basically telling me if look, if you need to step away and not run another race, do whatever you need to do. And just having everyone’s support just along the way was incredible. When my wife was headed down there, Rick Hendrick and and his whole group were doing everything they could to kind of expedite the process for Rookie,” Tyler Reddick said (05:16 onwards).
Hendrick Motorsports and the Hendrick family have a long history of supporting Levine Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit is also named the Ricky Hendrick Center for Intensive Care.
Reddick also mentioned Joey Logano’s help with his elder son, Beau, hanging out with the Team Penske driver’s children.
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