Tyler Reddick has driven several Jordan Brand race cars since joining 23XI Racing two years ago. But Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, there will be something different and much more meaningful involved in this paint scheme. Reddick will carry his wife’s name, Alexa, above his door to show his appreciation as Mother’s Day approaches, and with the scheme designed to honor women in the sport.
“A month or two ago (they) came to me and said they were going to do this scheme and what did I think about having her name on the car, would she be comfortable with that,” Reddick told RACER, who was at the shop when Alexa was surprised with the car unveiling. “Truthfully, I didn’t know, but of course I still said, ‘That would be great.’”
The paint scheme is simple but meant to be elegant. By using crystals, the message is that everyone is born with raw material that is destined to be shaped into greatness.
Jordan Brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. It includes a “40 Years of Greatness” campaign.
“The different things we’ve been able to put on the car and the stories behind them, they take their brand so far,” Reddick said. “I’m still learning as I go. I’ve been with them for three years, and every time we do something a little new or different. That is always fun. It’s always something new they are trying to recognize or push toward.”
Reddick spent time showing off the car to Alexa and explaining the messaging behind it. She had no idea it was coming and had been lured to the race shop under the guise of doing some social media videos with Tyler for Mother’s Day. It is the first time Alexa has had her name on a race car.
“That was a total surprise and I never thought I would be on a car,” Alexa told RACER. “But to be thought of and included, not just with the women on the team, but in NASCAR, that’s a surprise. Yes, there is a lot that I do behind the scenes, but that comes with being a mom and a wife. You don’t expect to get recognized for that on the car. But I do love the crystals by my name … 10-year-old Alexa loves it.
“I love the classic colors (black and red). I love classic Jordans. So, I’m glad they paired it with that.”
Tyler and Alexa Reddick are long-time partners who were married in July. They are expecting their second child in about a month. Beau, their son, is four years old.
With her due date approaching, Alexa will not be at Texas Motor Speedway. Tyler tried to hedge and focus on his history at the track when asked if the pressure was on to win with her name on the car, but Alexa quickly reminded him what the question actually was.
“Yes, that’s the short answer,” Tyler said. “I’ve been doing this racing thing too long, so my long-winded answers. It’s yes or no.”
Some might remember that Beau was named after Reddick won the Xfinity Series championship in 2019. He and Alexa had made a bet that he could name their son if he prevailed in the finale. Their second child still does not have a name, although there have been ones mentioned from one side that the other isn’t on board. So, if Sunday were to go in the favor of the No. 45 tram and Reddick, that might lead to yet another birth name origin story.
“The Beau thing was supposed to be more private than it was but Tyler took it straight to the media,” Alexa laughed. “But I don’t know; maybe we should put a stipulation on this race since my name is on the car.”
