CONCORD, N.C. (September 8, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Eli Hopkins will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). The West Point, Va. native will have his name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Ford Mustang for the second time this season.
Hopkins and Reed both live with type 1 diabetes and are both racers. Hopkins was diagnosed at age seven, but learned to manage his diabetes and get back on the track. He is a two-time ATV National Champion and now competes in dirt bike racing.
Since Hopkins was last featured on Reed’s car he has shared his journey with diabetes at local American Diabetes Association fundraisers, including the American Diabetes Association Garden Party Diamond Gala and the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes®. He has also joined the Richmond Kickers travel soccer team as well as his high school team.
When he’s not racing, the 14-year-old high school freshman can be found hunting, fishing or spending time with his diabetes assistance dog, Clutch.
“It’s awesome to see what Eli has accomplished since he first rode on the car in April,” said Reed. “He continues to be active, which is so important for managing diabetes, and continues to bring awareness and encouragement to others living with diabetes. I wish him well as he starts his freshman year of high school and hope to bring home an awesome finish for him this weekend at Richmond.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into RIR this weekend for the second time this season. Reed finished 21st at the track in the April race earlier this season.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from RIR on Friday, September 11th at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and MRN.
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.
