Concord, NC (September 25, 2012) — Venturini Motorsports development driver Ryan Reed will be making his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway driving the No.5 RaceHard.com / RyansMission.org Ford 150 under the Wauters Motorsports team banner.
“It’s a dream come true to be making my first NASCAR series start,” said Reed. “Driving a truck, Nationwide or Cup car is something all drivers think about while growing up so to be finally doing it is really cool.
The 19-year old ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rookie has competed in 13-events for Venturini Motorsports this season claiming one Top-5 and five Top-10 finishes. Reed will also drive for Venturini in October at Kansas Speedway during the ARCA Racing season finale.
Reed is confident and will draw from his speedway driving experience when he makes the transition from race car to truck this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“Vegas is another face intermediate track. Although I’ve never run there before I’ve had a lot of success this year on the mile-and-a- half tracks so I’m comfortable going into this weekend. I’m just really excited to go out and see what we can do,” added Reed.
Reed’s rise to the ranks of NASCAR should not be noted without mentioning his personal adversity off the race track, in 2011 he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
His untimely diagnosis changed his life forever and threatened his promising racing career. After being told his racing career was over, Reed made a decision not to allow T1D to dictate his legacy behind the wheel.
Armed with the passion and determination to fulfill his dreams, Reed shifted his focus and poured all his energy into managing his health and educating himself on the disease.
Reed’s tenacity and ‘never quit’ attitude has allowed him the good fortune to return to the race car and use his racing platform and personal story to inspire others living with T1D to continue living life to its fullest.
As a way to share his story to millions of American’s suffering from T1D, Reed formed his non-profit organization, Ryan’s Mission, to help build awareness, become a role model, and positively touch the lives of so many that have already been affected by the disease.
Reed’s off-track goodwill has made him a National Celebrity Advocate of JDRF, the world’s largest funder of research toward curing, treating and preventing T1D and its complications.
Ryan’s Mission has been built upon the long-standing relationship with JDRF at a National and Grassroots level. Ryan uses his racing platform to help raise funding for JDRF research in T1D through promotion initiatives lead by Ryan’s Mission, JDRF Nationally, and local JDRF Chapters.
There’s no question Ryan’s adversity and accomplishments off the track only fuel his desire to succeed at the highest levels of racing.
Reed will take the next step Saturday night in Las Vegas when he makes his NASCAR Series debut in the Smith’s 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. The race will be televised live on SPEED at 8:30 pm EST. MRN and Sirius Satellite radio will begin live coverage at 8:00pm.
About Venturini Motorsports
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars in the ARCA Racing Series, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. The 2012 season marks the team’s 30th Anniversary of competition in the ARCA Series. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports.
Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Steve Arpin, Brian Scott, Max Gresham, Miguel Paludo, Josh Richards, Ryan Blaney, and Scott Lagasse, Jr.
Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com | Twitter @VenturiniMotor | Facebook: Venturini Motorsports
