CONCORD, N.C. (May 27, 2015) – Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed made his 50th career NASCAR XFINITY Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, a milestone that the 21-year-old Bakersfield, Calif. native was told he would never reach after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2011.
Reed fought adversity to get back in the racecar and overcame a lackluster rookie season in 2014 to start the 2015 season off with a win at Daytona and seven top-15 finishes.
“I was a little caught off guard when I found out Charlotte was going to be my 50th start,” said Reed. “I feel like I was just making my first start at Richmond not too long ago. I’m so proud of how far (crew chief) Seth (Barbour) and I have come since last season and the stats definitely show how hard the whole team has been working.”
Reed’s race statistics have improved drastically compared to this point in the 2014 season. His average running position, start and finish have all improved since this time last season. He has spent over 50 percent of all laps run inside the top 15. Additionally, his driver rating has improved by almost eight points, up to 79.9 from 72.4 in 2014.
Perhaps the most significant improvement is Reed’s performance in the closing laps of this season’s races. He ranks fifth among all drivers in positions gained over the last 10 percent of a race so far in 2015, up from 55th at this point in 2014.
Despite recording his first win in the series and showing improvements in the stat books, Reed still expects more from himself and the team.
“I would give ourselves a grade of B-minus for this season only because I know where we can be. We are still figuring some stuff out that will take us to the next level and put us in the A category. If we can get the ball rolling soon we hope to be in contention for the championship when we get to Homestead.”
Reed is currently eighth in the championship standings heading into this weekend’s race in Dover, three positions better than this time last season. He and teammate Chris Buescher are the only NASCAR XFINITY Series regulars to win a race so far in 2015.
Reed will take to the track at Dover International Speedway this weekend for two practice sessions on Friday, May 29 and start the day off Saturday, May 30 with group qualifying.
Qualifying for Saturday’s Buckle Up 200 Presented by Click It or Ticket will air on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. ET.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Buckle Up 200 Presented by Click It or Ticket from Dover will air on FOX on Saturday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series competition with drivers Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Elliott Sadler, Ryan Reed, Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace. Now in its 28th season, Roush Fenway is a leader in driver development, having launched the careers for many of the top drivers in the sport. Off-track, Roush Fenway is a leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and producing multiple award-winning digital and experiential marketing campaigns. Roush Fenway is co-owned by Jack Roush, the winningest team owner in NASCAR history and Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C. Visit RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+, become a fan on Facebook and Instagram and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.
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. For the past 75 years, our mission has been 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 or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.
