Daytona 500 champion Tyler Reddick reveals his audacious plan on The Stephen A. Smith Show, to compete in NASCAR for decades, inspired by racing legends who defied age on the track
In a captivating appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, freshly crowned Daytona 500 champion Tyler Reddick opened up about his long-term plans in NASCAR, revealing a desire to compete well into his later years.
At just 30 years old and in his seventh full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, Reddick's comments sparked intrigue and amusement, especially with his wife Alexa De Leon playfully shaking her head in disapproval from off-camera. The interview, which aired shortly after Reddick's thrilling victory at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, highlighted the driver's passion for the sport and his admiration for NASCAR hall of famers who defied age expectations.
The conversation turned introspective when host Stephen A. Smith, known for his probing questions across sports, asked Reddick how much time he believed he had left in his racing career. Reddick, piloting the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing—co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—didn't hesitate to share his unfiltered thoughts.
"My wife doesn't love it when I tell her I wanna race," Reddick admitted with a chuckle. He then drew inspiration from legends like Harry Gant and Red Farmer, emphasizing that age is no barrier to success on the track.
Reddick specifically referenced Harry Gant, who was recently inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame alongside Kurt Busch—the driver Reddick replaced at 23XI after Busch's retirement due to injury. Gant, nicknamed "Handsome Harry," had a remarkable career resurgence in his 50s. In 1991, at the age of 51, Gant went on an unforgettable winning streak, capturing four consecutive Cup Series races in September, earning him the moniker "Mr. September."
Reddick marveled at this feat, saying, "Harry Gant man, he raced into his 50s, you know when he was in his 50s, that's when he went on that streak and won four in a row." This period solidified Gant's legacy as one of the oldest drivers to achieve such dominance, proving that experience and determination can outweigh youth in motorsports.
Not stopping there, Reddick invoked Red Farmer, another Hall of Famer whose longevity is the stuff of racing folklore. Farmer, now 93 years old, continues to compete at local short tracks, embodying the spirit of a lifelong racer. "Red Farmer, another (NASCAR) hall of famer, he still races at his local short track and he's way up there in age too," Reddick noted.
Farmer's career spans decades, from dirt tracks in the 1950s to his role in the infamous "Alabama Gang" alongside legends like Bobby and Donnie Allison. His refusal to hang up the helmet resonates deeply with Reddick, who declared, "It's all I've ever done. I'm going to do it as long as I can."
Reddick conditioned his ambitions on staying "physically and mentally able," acknowledging the toll racing takes on the body, but his enthusiasm was palpable.
This revelation comes at a pivotal moment in Reddick's career. Born on January 11, 1996, in Corning, California, Reddick burst onto the NASCAR scene with back-to-back Xfinity Series championships in 2018 and 2019 before transitioning to the Cup Series. His move to 23XI in 2023, stepping into the seat vacated by Kurt Busch, marked a new chapter.
Reddick has since notched multiple wins, including his breakthrough at Road America in 2022, and now the prestigious Daytona 500 title. This victory, achieved through a daring last-lap pass, cements his status as one of the sport's rising stars, blending aggressive driving with strategic acumen.
Racing into one's 60s remains rare, given the high-speed risks and physical strain. Reddick's wife, Alexa, whom he married in 2022 and with whom he shares two sons, represents the personal side of this equation. Her visible disagreement during the interview added a relatable, human element, reminding fans that behind the helmet are family dynamics and life beyond the racetrack.
Smith, a basketball aficionado dipping into motorsports, reacted with a mix of surprise and respect, probing further on the mental fortitude required. The exchange highlighted NASCAR's growing crossover appeal, drawing in audiences from other sports.
Reddick's ambition could inspire younger drivers while challenging teams to adapt to aging rosters. As the 2026 season unfolds, with Reddick eyeing the championship, his words serve as a testament to the enduring allure of racing—a pursuit where passion often outpaces the calendar.In reflecting on icons like Gant and Farmer, Reddick isn't just dreaming; he's mapping a path less traveled.
Whether he achieves this longevity remains to be seen, but his Daytona triumph proves he's capable of defying odds. For now, fans can relish a champion who's all in, wife-shaking-head notwithstanding.