Cancer survivor AJ Waller faces heat exhaustion in NASCAR during his first race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Battling through extreme conditions, AJ Waller pushed himself to compete but faced an unexpected challenge. Despite his determination, he had to step away, leading Josh Reaume to take over and complete the race. This moment was another test of Waller’s resilience, proving that his journey is far from over. What comes next for this determined racer?
Key Highlights
- AJ Waller suffered heat exhaustion during his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut, leading to an early exit from the race.
- The race took place at the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200.
- Josh Reaume substituted for Waller, showcasing adaptability and finishing 31st.
- Waller’s return to racing followed his remission from Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2022.
- Waller plans to use a cool suit for better heat management in future races.
AJ Waller’s Journey from Cancer to NASCAR
After enduring a grueling battle with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, AJ Waller, a resolute young driver, has made an inspiring journey from the depths of illness to the adrenaline-filled sport of NASCAR.
Diagnosed in April 2020, Waller faced an arduous expedition through intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, putting his racing dreams on hold. Nearly two years of relentless perseverance culminated in a victorious moment in January 2022, when he rang the bell, signifying his remission. This crucial victory marked the beginning of his return to the racing circuit.
Waller’s path through Florida’s short-track scene has been characterized by tenacity and an unyielding commitment to his craft. With each race, he honed his skills, demonstrating resilience and a fierce resolve to reach NASCAR’s National Series.
Making His NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Debut
AJ Waller took a notable step forward in his racing career by making his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, competing in the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
Driving the No. 22 Reaume Brothers Racing Ford F-150, Waller aimed to exhibit his skills on the challenging oval. This race marked a considerable milestone in his progression from overcoming personal health battles to competing at a higher level in motorsports.
However, the event unfolded with unexpected adversity. Despite his resolve, Waller faced the intense physical demands of the race, which took a toll on his endurance. The grueling conditions inside the truck led to heat exhaustion, compelling him to exit the race prematurely.
“I just got too hot, me personally, got too hot.” – (Waller)
“It really sucks, but I just have to keep moving forward.” – (Waller)
Josh Reaume Steps in to Finish the Race
The intense heat and the demands of the race proved too much for AJ Waller, compelling him to leave the track prematurely. As he was assisted from his vehicle, Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Brothers Racing, swiftly responded to the unexpected call to action.
Despite his responsibilities as crew chief for Cody Dennison, Reaume seamlessly shifted to driver of the No. 22 Ford, demonstrating adaptability and leadership under stress.
- Reaume managed to secure a 31st-place finish in a competitive field of 35, a commendable effort given the circumstances.
- His quick decision-making and experience guaranteed the team remained in the running, minimizing further disruptions.
- Reaume’s empathy for Waller was palpable, having faced similar trials in 2019 at Charlotte due to food poisoning and extreme heat.
“Yeah, it really sucks for AJ, and I hope he’s alright. I was asking on the radio, they said he was feeling better. And I’ll be the first guy to say I got out of a race car at Charlotte a couple of years ago, I couldn’t do it. TV does it no justice in terms of how hot it is in the race car. It’s a conditioning thing. I don’t think if I hadn’t run a couple of races this year that I would have had the ability to do this. It’s just hot.” – (Reaume)
Reaume’s History of Mid-Race Substitutions
While the unexpected nature of motorsport often demands quick thinking and adaptability, few embody these traits as effectively as Josh Reaume. Known for his readiness to step in mid-race, Reaume has repeatedly taken the wheel when needed, demonstrating his commitment and expertise.
His history of mid-race substitutions includes filling in for drivers such as Daniel Sasnett, Jesse Iwuji, Thad Moffitt, and Frankie Muniz, earning him the affectionate moniker “Superman” from his team.
“We actually joked about it at the shop I think this week or last. We call it the Superman, it’s happened a couple of times. I guess a bit of a unique situation where the team owner jumps in to keep it up in the points and what have you. It’s definitely pretty wild, right? I was calling the race [as crew chief] for Cody [Dennison] and they came over and got me and said, ‘Hey, you need to go get your stuff on.’ You know, what I have to say is it’s a testament to this race team and the depth that we have that I can jump off the box and Cody can still have a well-executed race.” – (Reaume)
Josh Reaume is now behind the wheel of the no. 22 pic.twitter.com/FltJcufHya
— Reaume Brothers Racing (@RBR_Teams) March 29, 2025
Despite the light-hearted nickname, Reaume acknowledges the inherent challenges, particularly when stepping into the driver’s seat without prior physical preparation.
On several occasions, he has been called to action unexpectedly, often after casual eating, emphasizing the physical and mental agility required.
Waller’s Future Plans and Inspiration
Despite the dramatic finale to his debut race, AJ Waller remains undeterred, showcasing remarkable resilience and ambition for his future in motorsport. His progression from battling Stage 4 cancer to competing in NASCAR stands as a reflection of his perseverance and strength.
Waller impressed his team during practice, demonstrating potential that caught the eye of Reaume, who expressed interest in providing more opportunities for Waller. Nonetheless, priority is placed on Waller’s health and safety, emphasizing a cautious approach to his racing career.
“I thought he was doing a good job. The guys were happy with how he was doing in practice. It’s a change coming from a Super Late Model to this stuff. These cars are really heavy, they don’t turn as good. A Super Late Model feels like a fighter jet compared to these. Our team has had so many young drivers debut with us. He had all the same natural observations of driving this bigger heavier car, and he was overcoming kind of the differences and how he needed to adapt his driving style. Honestly, I felt good with how he was going to perform, just unfortunate about how all it ended up.” – (Reaume)
- Waller is contemplating the use of a cool suit for better heat management in future races.
- He is aiming to return to competition at the North Wilkesboro Speedway event on May 17.
- His future racing endeavors will be influenced by the outcomes of upcoming events, particularly the May 17 race.
News in Brief: Cancer Survivor AJ Waller Faces Heat Exhaustion
AJ Waller’s debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was unexpectedly cut short due to a health scare, marking a dramatic turn in his inspiring odyssey from cancer survivor to race car driver. Josh Reaume stepped in to finish the race, showcasing his experience in handling mid-race substitutions.
Despite the setback, Waller remains optimistic, focusing on future races and drawing inspiration from his past battles. His resilience continues to motivate fans and fellow drivers.
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