Unfortunate news emerged after Saturday’s finish in the NASCARCraftsman Truck Series race in St. Petersburg. Tyler Reif, racing for Niece Motorsports, was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Niece Motorsports released a short statement about Reif going to the hospital but provided no additional details. Rief, who finished 16th, was later released, and the team followed with a second update. In the Saturday evening statement, the race team said the 18-year-old had been treated for heat exhaustion.
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“Tyler and his family would like to express their gratitude to the NASCAR officials, track medical workers and the local medical facility staff for their care,” the team said in a release
Saturday’s race in Florida was a hot one with air temperatures in the high 70s with little to no wind following overnight rain. Inside the trucks, temperatures were well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chandler Smith and Layne Riggs lead the field at St. Pete. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
((Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images))
“Following today’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at St. Petersburg, Tyler Reif, driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports, was transported to an area medical facility for further observation,” the team said in its original statement.
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Reif is the driver for Niece Motorsports’ flagship entry in the series this season.
He will have time to recover and return to racing. The Truck Series doesn’t resume its schedule until March 20 in Darlington, South Carolina.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
