Young driver beats odds to race at NASCAR’s Highest Level
CONCORD, N.C (Oct. 19, 2016) – This weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway marks a milestone for Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed, who will attempt to make his Sprint Cup debut in the Hellmann’s 500. Reed, who in 2011 was diagnosed with diabetes and told he would never race again, will pilot the No. 99 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Fusion.
“To be this close to achieving a goal of mine is huge,” said Reed. “I know our Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association team has been working really hard to bring a stout piece to the track. Our goal is to go out there and keep our nose clean, run all of the laps, earn some respect and hopefully be in contention for a solid finish at the end.”
Reed has experienced success at Talladega’s sister track, Daytona International Speedway. The young driver kicked off the 2015 season at Daytona leading 14 laps and crossing the finish line first.
After climbing from the car Reed said, “This is for … every kid who gets diagnosed with diabetes, or anything, that says you can’t do something, just go out there and overcome it and do it and win. Do the best you can. This is unreal. It hasn’t even soaked in yet.”
Reed, who is currently in contention for the inaugural Chase for the XFINITY Championship, is looking to make history as the only driver actively managing his diabetes to race at the Sprint Cup level.
Reed manages his diabetes through a strict diet and exercise program, the use of a wireless glucose monitoring device to provide in-race, real-time data, and consistent communication with his medical team in California.
Reed will look to become the 19th driver to start a Sprint Cup race for Roush Fenway and legendary owner Jack Roush.
The No. 99 was a mainstay at Roush Fenway from 1996 through 2014, being driven predominately by Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards. During that span, the car visited Victory Lane on 40 occasions and led more than 9,500 laps in Sprint Cup action.
Fans are encouraged to join the social conversation with Reed and Roush Fenway using the hashtag #IDriveMyHealth, to discuss the ways they actively manage their diabetes so they can still live well.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is set to take the green flag from Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN and MRN.
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, Ryan Reed, Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace. Now in its 29th 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 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.
