“That’s one race I will never forget, and it was even more special to have it all come together on Mother’s Day,” said Jeff Gordon after his epic Mother’s Day triumph at Darlington in 2007. The race was special for so many reasons. Firstly, it was supposed to happen on Saturday, but bad weather pushed it to Mother’s Day, and Gordon’s mother, who was present on Saturday, couldn’t make it for her son’s win! Then, the win itself was remarkable, as Gordon’s engine was close to blowing up, and he chose not to pit under the last caution, holding his lead for 22 laps to seal the win.

That 2007 race was the last time NASCAR raced on Mother’s Day until 2021, and the first time since 1986! Since 2021, the tradition has been to race on Mother’s Day Sunday every year, with Darlington being the chosen track. However, this year has added another twist. Darlington is in the past, and the Mother’s Day race will be in Kansas this time. However, before we get there, 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has a Mother’s Day tribute for his wife, Alexa DeLeon, the mother of their son, Beau Reddick, ahead of the race at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend!

Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, unveiled a special Mother’s Day tribute scheme honoring Alexa DeLeon on Instagram. The scheme contains a brush of white on black body, featuring diamond accents on either side of “ALEXA” written just above the window netting. Posting the surprise on social media, Reddick captioned it: “Alexa has always shown nothing but unwavering support for our family, and with Mother’s Day approaching we wanted to surprise her with a little something for Texas! 💎”

For Tyler Reddick, honoring his wife this year takes special precedence, as the couple is expecting their second child this June! The couple, who tied the knot in 2024, announced in early 2025 that they would be expecting another little one in the house, 5 years after Beau arrived in 2020. Well, Reddick could have saved his tribute for Kansas next week, but then she would have seen it coming. This was a welcome surprise, and one that Alexa will cherish deeply as they prepare to welcome their latest child into the world.

The gesture carries additional weight considering 23XI Racing’s impressive trajectory this season. Tyler Reddick has scored at least one stage point in every race this season while ranking among the most consistent drivers on the circuit. His 9.3 average finish at Texas demonstrates his comfort at the track where this tribute car will compete, adding competitive significance to the emotional gesture.

This post was a heartfelt tribute to his better half, and fans gushed with responses on Instagram as Alexa was in the spotlight.

Fans want Tyler Reddick to get his season up and running with this scheme

“You’re a good man Tyler Reddick 💯”, wrote one fan, a sentiment that resonates deeply throughout the NASCAR community, where family values have historically been central to the sport’s identity. This reaction highlights how Reddick’s gesture aligns with NASCAR’s long-standing tradition of honoring family members, particularly mothers who often sacrifice weekends and holidays to support racing careers. The comment acknowledges not just the tribute itself, but Reddick’s character.

Another fan commented: “Respect! 👏 might be the greatest scheme we’ve ever seen!” This enthusiasm speaks volumes about both the visual appeal and emotional impact of the diamond-themed Toyota. NASCAR fans have witnessed countless special schemes over the decades, yet this reaction places Reddick’s tribute among the most meaningful. The comment reflects the racing community’s appreciation for thoughtful designs that carry personal significance, particularly notable as Tyler Reddick competes for a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, who himself has elevated sports marketing to an art form with his Jordan brand.

“Good job!!! Now get her a win too!” wrote a third fan, connecting the emotional gesture to on-track performance. This reaction highlights the dual nature of NASCAR fandom – appreciating personal moments while maintaining focus on competition. The comment gains relevance considering Tyler Reddick is hunting for his first win of the season after winning the regular season championship in 2024. His last win was at Homestead-Miami Speedway during the 2024 playoffs after a stunning last-lap, double overtake on Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin for the win. Let’s hope he can see victory lane in this endearing scheme.

“Everything about this is rad”, and “everyone liked that” by fans represent the broader community consensus about Tyler Reddick’s tribute. These reactions demonstrate how such gestures transcend normal competition narratives to unite the racing community. Moments like these–where drivers connect authentically with fans through personal gestures–provide bright spots amid broader concerns about audience engagement. For 23XI Racing, a relatively new team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, this goodwill strengthens their growing position within the NASCAR community.