Tyler Reddick made it three wins from three in the NASCAR Cup Series at COTA on Sunday, but revealed after the race that his day wasn't quite perfect.
Those watching the 23XI Racing star go up to collect his trophy post-race may have noticed a wince when climbing the steps to the stage, which he explained in his post-race press conference.
Reddick was asked whether the heat which gave some drivers issues on the day – AJ Allmeninger was put on a stretcher following the race after his cool suit failed and his helmet hose was 'blowing hot air' – but he revealed that the problem was something else entirely.
The 30-year-old revealed that he's had issues with his sciatic nerve in the past and, while he wasn't bothered by it while driving the 95 laps to victory in Austin, it 'really fired up' when he exited his race seat.
NASCAR RESULTS: Tyler Reddick makes history with flawless COTA performance
Reddick: I'm just getting old
Speaking to the press, he explained: "Yeah, over the years, I’d say like the one that was the worst was Fontana in 2022, like my leg went to sleep when I was leading that race when I was at RCR, and unfortunately we had a flat that day.
"Yeah, over the years I’ve occasionally had issues with my sciatic nerve kind of acting up. I didn’t really feel it in the car, which was nice today, but as soon as I got out and got moving, it was just really fired up. But it’s getting better.
"I don’t think it was heat, no, not for me. I’m just getting old."
Kyle Larson, Ryan Preece, and the aforementioned Allmendinger all struggled with cool suit issues, with the latter going to the infield care center after exiting his car at the end of the race. He was released after a medical evaluation.
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