Talladega, Ala. (June 23, 2016) – In his Sprint Cup debut Roush Fenway driver Ryan Reed brought his No. 99 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Fusion home in 26th-place at Talladega Superspeedway. In a race where survival is often key, Reed’s car finished the race without a scratch to be seen as the young driver drove a mistake-free race, exercising the patience of a veteran during the course of the 188-lap event that often including three and four-wide racing.
“Today meant so much to me,” said Reed after the race. “I truly hope I was able to earn some respect out there. We always want a better finish than 26th, but with no mistakes and not a scratch on the car we’ll take that here at Talladega.”
Reed started the race 18th, after a solid qualifying effort on Saturday. He would run as high as 12th, after patiently working his way to the front for a restart on lap 153. However, drafting partners were in short demand for the debuting driver and he was eventually shuffled back through the field.
“Nobody really wanted to work with me there at the end and we just couldn’t seem to get going on the top line,” added Reed. “Still, I learned so much out there and I just want to thank (crew chief) Phil (Gould) and all the guys for giving me a great car and putting us in position to really make a move at the end.”
Reed will return to action in two weeks in the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Texas Motor Speedway. He is currently only two points outside of the top four in the XFINITY Chase, with two races remaining before the series champion is decided in the season finale at Homestead.
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.
