Ryan Reed – Texas Advance
Team: No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Seth Barbour
Chassis: RK-827
Twitter: @driverRyanReed, @Reed16Team and @RoushFenway
ADVANCE NOTES
· Reed at Texas Motor Speedway
o Ryan Reed will make his second NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. In his previous start, coming earlier this season, Reed started 16th and finished 20th.
· The Car
o Chassis RK-827 visits the track for the sixth time this season for the No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes team. This chassis has also raced at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (15), Darlington Raceway (13), Michigan International Speedway (11) and both races at Chicagoland Speedway (15, 24).
· Riding with Ryan
o For the 10th time this season, Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NNS race at Texas Motor Speedway. The No. 16 Ford Mustang will carry the name of Ryleigh Ashford above the passenger side window.
o Ashford was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on April 8, 2013 at the age of eight. The now 10-year-old has kept a positive attitude and refuses to let diabetes derail any of her goals.
o “With the help of my family, friends and coaches, I have not let diabetes slow me down,” says Ashford. “I still lead a very active, normal life doing all the things I love to do, such as playing softball, basketball, swimming, going to camp and much more. Being a normal, active kid is a little bit harder for me because of the diabetes, but it is not impossible and I am not letting diabetes keep my from being myself and doing the things I love to do.”
o “I am so inspired by how determined Ryleigh is to not let diabetes change the way she wants to live her life,” said Reed. “She is such a great example to people living with diabetes. Every week, I am fortunate enough to continue to pursue my dreams. To see people like Ryleigh, who have not let diabetes stop them from doing the same, is such a reward. It’s yet another reason I’m so proud to work with the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes.”
· Recapping Charlotte Motor Speedway
o Reed and the No. 16 team ran strong in the Friday night race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with Reed earning his 15th top-15 finish of the season, coming home in 15th.
QUOTE WORTHY
Reed on racing at Texas Motor Speedway:
“After two weeks off, I’m ready to go to the track and get back in the race car. This team has continued to improve throughout the season, and I really think we will keep that going for these last three races. I think we’ll have a great chance at getting this Drive to Stop Diabetes Mustang in the top-10 this weekend.”
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 Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.
