Ryan Reed posted a solid 16th-place finish in his Roush Fenway debut in Friday night’s Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway. The 19-year old driver, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17, advanced his No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang all the way to the sixth position and was battling for fifth with just 10-laps remaining when he was involved in an altercation which led him to clip the outside wall – relegating the team to a 16th-place finish.
“I learned so much to from this Roush Fenway team,” said Reed after the race. “I really wanted to give them a top-10 tonight but it just didn’t happen that way. (Crew chief) Seth (Barbour) and all the guys gave me the best Ford Mustang and I was disappointed as we had the car to beat. I have to say a special thanks to Jack Roush for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back into this car again. I’m so thankful to the American Diabetes Association for coming on board with us to make this happen and show life has no limits.”
American Diabetes Association #16 Reed, a Bakersfield, Calif. native, advanced through the field gaining positions, while pitting three times under caution for just fresh tires and fuel. Unfortunately, his No. 16 Ford was blocked in his stall loosing spots on the track, but the young rookie with the experienced Roush Fenway Racing team kept progressing forward to regain the positions.
As the laps of the race started to click down Reed had advanced to the sixth-place position.
Despite the final outcome – Reed in his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race racked up some prominent NASCAR loop data statistics. He made 31 green flag passes, was listed third in quality passes – making 27 – while running in the top-15 during a green flag run and was fifth overall in fastest drivers during the last 25 percent of laps run since a pit stop.
For more information on Ryan Reed visit www.DrivetoStopDiabetes.org. Twitter: @driverRyanReed, Facebook: Ryan Reed.
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.
RACE SUMMARY
Ryan Reed
Started: 15
Finished: 16
