It was the 2020 Xfinity Series race at Darlington. Chase Briscoe steered the #98 car to victory lane. As opposed to a traditional happy and energetic reaction, he was spotted crying. He said, “The biggest day of my life after the toughest day of my life.” But why? Turns out not more than 48 hours ago, Marissa, his wife, had a miscarriage. And Briscoe was away practicing while she dealt with it alone. However, they went through it together and in 2021, welcomed their first baby boy, Brooks. A renowned Truck Series driver is heading down a similar path, but the stakes are larger.
In racing, Ty Majeski is known for his grit—an all-gas, no-brakes kind of guy who stormed his way to the 2024 NASCAR Truck Series title. But off the track? He is the kind rooted in love, commitment, and standing by someone when life throws a curveball no one sees coming. That ‘someone’ is Ali VanderLoop, Ty’s longtime partner and now wife. The two have been through everything together, from small-town roots to racing’s biggest spotlight. But in 2023, their lives shifted.
Ali was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Since then, the couple has faced a new kind of challenge. One that’s not about speed, but strength. And one Ty’s meeting with the same relentless passion he brings to every race.
Ty Majeski and Ali VanderLoop are in it together
For complete context, we must know that lupus isn’t rare; it’s misunderstood. Affecting around 1.5 million Americans, it’s a chronic autoimmune disease that inflames and damages the body’s organs. From skin rashes to serious complications with the kidneys and the brain, it hits hard and unpredictably. There’s no cure, and while treatments exist, the fight is long, personal, and often invisible. Sadly, Ali VanderLoop learned that firsthand.
Her 2023 diagnosis came without warning, upending the life she and Ty Majeski had built. One moment, they were riding the high of career milestones. Next, they were navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and doctors’ visits. But Ali didn’t back down, and neither did Ty. Instead, they turned toward the fight with the same energy that won him a NASCAR title.
That’s where the #AcceleratingLupusResearch campaign was born. Partnering with the Lupus Research Alliance, Ty, Ali, and ThorSport Racing are shifting gears from the racetrack to the research lab this upcoming month. The campaign, running through May, isn’t just about raising funds. Instead, it’s about raising hope, awareness, and momentum for a cause that hits home. Most importantly, it’s about finding a cure for this painful, long-term disease. For them, this isn’t a sponsorship. It’s a personal mission.
Meet Ali VanderLoop and her husband, Ty Majeski—two people driven by a mission to make a difference in the fight against lupus. Ali was diagnosed with lupus in 2023 and it changed her life, but it didn’t change her determination.
Now, Ali, her husband, @TyMajeski, 2024 NASCAR… pic.twitter.com/KcyfkswoWr
— Lupus Research (@LupusResearch) April 22, 2025
Throughout Lupus Awareness Month in May, the campaign will spotlight their journey. Ty will wear custom-designed LRA race shoes, starting from Texas Motor Speedway in early May, to raise awareness. They will then be auctioned off, and the proceeds will be used in research to find a cure for the disease. “Lupus has impacted many aspects of my life, but through this campaign, I hope to connect with others facing similar challenges, amplify awareness, and contribute to groundbreaking research,” Ali VanderLoop said.
Other ways individuals can support the campaign include joining the ManyOne Can initiative, participating in Walk With Us events, or becoming an advocate for lupus research. Whether it’s through spreading awareness or donating, everyone can play a role. For Ty and Ali, this movement is bigger than racing. It’s about rallying a community to drive real, lasting change. And, other veteran NASCAR drivers have also suffered personal pain, ensuring they start a fight against it for the masses.
Behind the wheel and beyond: How NASCAR couples tackle health struggles
Just like Ty Majeski and his wife, another NASCAR couple has faced deeply personal battles away from the track—Kyle and Samantha Busch. While Kyle has built a legendary career behind the wheel, Samantha has become a voice of strength and vulnerability, opening up about their shared struggles with infertility, alopecia, and the emotional toll of trying to start a family.
Samantha has been candid about their infertility journey. After multiple failed IVF attempts and a heartbreaking miscarriage, she and Kyle Busch welcomed their son, Brexton, in 2015. Years later, their daughter Lennix arrived via a surrogate. Through every challenge, the couple stayed committed to raising awareness and helping other couples navigate similar emotional terrain. They co-founded the Bundle of Joy Fund, which has awarded over $1.5 million in grants that helped 109 families seeking IVF treatment.
Beyond infertility, Samantha also lives with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss. In an Instagram post, she bravely revealed how difficult it was to see patches of hair fall out. Kyle Busch stood by her side, providing unwavering support. “Kyle has always been my rock,” Samantha shared, highlighting his presence during her health challenges.
Their journey hasn’t been without strain. The emotional toll of infertility led them to seek marriage counseling. Samantha recalled, “We were fighting every single day about everything.” Yet, through open communication and mutual support, they navigated these challenges together, strengthening their bond.
Together, Kyle and Samantha have become a power couple, not just in racing but in resilience. Their advocacy doesn’t come with finish lines. It comes with hope, healing, and helping others know they’re not alone. Like Ty and Ali, their story reminds us that the strongest drivers sometimes fight the hardest battles away from the track.
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