RICHMOND, Va. (April 23, 2016) – Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed and the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association team finished 11th on Saturday at Richmond International Raceway (RIR) after fighting the car’s handling and overcoming damage on a late-race restart .
“We just never could find the speed or the balance that we needed, but it was a good finish from where we started. Late into a long run we were actually pretty good and ran top-10 lap times. I feel like we had a pretty good long-run car but from the time we unloaded we had no short-run speed. We will take 11th on a pretty tough day and learn from it. I am proud of the Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang guys.”
After all on-track activity for the NASCAR XFINITY Series was rained out on Friday, the field for Saturday’s heat races was set by owner’s points and Saturday’s qualifying session was used as the sole practice for the Series. Reed lined up seventh in his 35-lap heat race and fought a lack of forward drive throughout the race, eventually finishing ninth.
Reed took the green flag for the 140-lap main event from the 18th position and had made his way up to 16th by Lap 65. Reed continued to report that he needed forward drive, but was recording top-10 lap times.
With little practice time, the team’s first chance to adjust on the No. 16 Ford Mustang after a long run on the ¾ mile oval was on Lap 99. The team pitted from the 16th position under green-flag conditions for fresh tires and a wedge adjustment. Reed maintained the 16th position throughout the last quarter of the race.
With 15 laps to go, the first caution of the race was displayed. This gave Reed a chance to take the wave around to get back on the lead lap. He reported he still needed forward drive and help turning in the center, but the car was decent on a long run.
Reed restarted 15th with eight laps to go, but sustained damage from a wreck that occurred at the front of the field soon after the restart. With heavy damage to the left-rear of the car, the team was forced to come down pit road to make repairs on Lap 137.
Despite the damage and unscheduled pit stop, Reed restarted 13th on Lap 147, well past the advertised distance of the race. After the green-white-checkered finish, Reed was able to gain two positions, bringing the damaged No. 16 machine home 11th.
Reed remains ninth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship standings after today’s race at RIR. He and the rest of the NASCAR XFINITY Series are back in action on Saturday, April 30 at Talladega Super Speedway.
About the Drive to Stop Diabetes
The Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign strives to educate people about living well with diabetes. The campaign encourages the millions of Americans who have diabetes to talk about it with their doctor, family, and friends and to actively manage their health.
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.
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, the Association’s 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 (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
