Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, Fla.) — A lot can change in just one remarkable Sunday.
Tyler Reddick, a 30-year-old from California, has now become a Daytona 500 champion after a tumultuous journey both on and off the racetrack. Now in his seventh year of Cup racing, Reddick clinched consecutive titles in what is now the O’Reilly Series, achieving this with two different teams: JR Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing.
Reddick is married to Alexa DeLeon, daughter of former MLB pitcher Jose DeLeon, and they have two children: Beau (6) and Rookie (15 months). Last fall, Rookie underwent surgery to remove a kidney affected by a tumor pressing against an artery, which caused heart failure symptoms.
Driving the No. 45 car for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, Reddick won the regular-season Cup title in 2024 but faced a winless 2025. Following this monumental victory, he spoke with me Monday morning before heading to New York City for the Daytona 500 winner’s media tour.
Who is Tyler Reddick?
Tyler Reddick, hailing from Northern California, grew up in dirt racing, competing on short tracks and with outlaw carts. He spent over a decade honing his skills before transitioning to asphalt racing, with early opportunities provided by fellow dirt racer Ken Schrader, which helped him rise through the NASCAR ranks.
Beyond racing, Reddick described himself as a father who sometimes struggles with impatience and maintaining focus, but values his family and works hard to make time for them. He enjoys the chaos that comes with having lively young children.
Reflecting on the previous year, Reddick shared that moments of struggle and uncertainty in racing were overshadowed by family priorities, emphasizing how having a child undergo surgery reshaped his focus away from winning. He acknowledged the importance of balance between personal life and racing ambitions, which continues to evolve as his family grows.
Reddick’s experiences with mentors like Schrader and Bloomquist taught him the value of passion and enjoyment within the sport, reminding him to embrace fun amidst the pressures of competition. He believes this positive mindset helps navigate the highs and lows of a demanding racing season.
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
