INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 20, 2016) – Before Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed hits the famed 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway in his No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang, he will stop by Lilly Diabetes’ Brickyard Block Party in Downtown Indianapolis tomorrow to talk with fans about how he drives his health, as well as his race car. The free fan event celebrates the arrival of NASCAR to Indianapolis as well as how Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes are helping those living with diabetes.
“This event is a great way to bring not only NASCAR fans but also anyone who enjoys live music, food trucks and fun, together to celebrate the upcoming race weekend and how Lilly Diabetes is making such a positive impact in the Indianapolis community,” said Reed. “I can’t wait to get out there to talk to fans about how Lilly Diabetes helps me drive my health in and out of my race car.”
The free event will run from 4 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21st in the west block of Georgia St. in Downtown Indianapolis. Reed and his Roush Fenway Racing teammates will be on site to sign autographs from 6 -7 p.m. Other features of the event include live pit stop demonstrations by a Roush Fenway Racing pit crew, racing simulators, live music, food trucks, a magician, and a performance by American Idol Finalist and diabetes advocate Crystal Bowersox.
The Brickyard Block Party presented by Lilly Diabetes kicks off with live music from Henle and the Loops at 4 p.m., followed by a live pit stop demonstration by Reed and his No. 16 pit crew on the street of downtown Indianapolis.
“Our pit crew is psyched about the opportunity to perform a pit stop on the streets of Indy,” said Roush Fenway Racing Pit Crew Coach Rodney Fetters. “This is an opportunity that a lot of teams will never have and it definitely brings out some nerves in the guys. They perform these pit stops every weekend with thousands of eyes watching, but there’s something unique about doing it in the middle of a city with all eyes on just them.”
The event may end Thursday evening, but the excitement heats up on Friday as Reed hits the track for two practice sessions in his No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang. On Saturday, Reed and the NASCAR XFINITY Series start the day with qualifying at 11:40 a.m. ET followed by two heat races, with the main event at 5:05 p.m. ET. Tune in on NBC Sports Network to watch all of the on-track action in the Lilly Diabetes 250.
About Drive to Stop Diabetes
The Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign strives to educate people about living well with diabetes. The campaign encourages the millions of Americans who have diabetes to talk about a management plan with their doctor, family, and friends and to lead healthy lives.
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 (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish.
