’Reed to make NNS debut in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang’
Ryan Reed will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with Roush Fenway Racing in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang Friday, April 26, 2013 at Richmond International Raceway.
Reed, age 19, has proven that life has no limits as a race car driver with diabetes. The Bakersfield, California native has been racing since the age of four and was diagnosed two years ago at age 17 with type 1 diabetes and was told he would never drive again. Reed recently announced his collaboration with the American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign as well as becoming the newest driver in Roush Fenway Racing stable of development drivers.
Reed will take to the ¾-mile Richmond International Raceway to launch the Drive to Stop Diabetes awareness campaign where he will use his motorsports platform to be an advocate to educate people on and off the race track.
Reed’s blood glucose levels will be carefully monitored by his Roush Fenway Racing team. In the rare event that Reed experiences a high in his blood glucose levels; his Drive to Stop Diabetes driver’s suit has a bulls-eye target spot that will show a crewman where to give him an injection of insulin during the race. Reed isn’t too worried though, as he has never had a problem before
Reed is no stranger to short track racing and recently won the super late model season opener at his hometown track Irwindale Speedway.
“We had a great test a few weeks ago with the Roush Fenway Racing team,” Reed said. “I’ve been using some super late model racing as some seat time as well. It felt great to bring home a victory at Irwindale a few weeks ago; hopefully that and the test will really help me get comfortable in the Nationwide car at Richmond.”
The American Diabetes Association CEO, Larry Hausner, will be present for Reed’s NASCAR Nationwide Series debut along with some lucky fans that entered the Tell Your Diabetes Story for an opportunity for a VIP Fan Experience at Richmond.Optima Health, a Virgina based health care service provider, recently joined forces with the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign, as well as, DwinQ, an innovative social media platform which will allow Ryan’s fans to interact with him at future activations.
Reed will compete in a number of NASCAR Nationwide Series races for Roush Fenway Racing in 2013 and the No. 16 Ford Mustang will adorn the American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes paint scheme.
Dexcom and Playseat participate as associate partners on the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Roush Fenway Racing Ford Mustang at Richmond International Raceway.
The Toyota Care 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway is slated to begin Friday, April 26, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
About the American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
About Roush Fenway Racing:
Roush Fenway Racing is the most winning team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with championship drivers Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne and Travis Pastrana. Having celebrated 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and its award-winning marketing campaigns for RickyvsTrevor.com and “25 Winning Years.” Visit www.RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+ at +Roush Fenway Racing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.
About Drive to Stop Diabetes:
This unique collaboration with the Association to Drive to Stop Diabetes will use Ryan’s story as the voice. The Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign will include awareness and educational efforts at a number of NASCAR Nationwide races this year, as well as at several off track health and wellness initiatives throughout 2013. The Drive to Stop Diabetes mobile movement will focus attention to educating the community on all types of diabetes. The Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign, through RyansMission.org (501c3), will donate 100 percent of all net-proceeds to the Association.
