CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 19, 2014) – For the fourth time this season, Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Friday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry Jonah Mullins’ name above the passenger side window.
Mullins was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on February 11, 2011 at the age of four. Now, the energetic eight-year-old enjoys spending his time playing baseball and basketball as well as fishing. His other hobbies include playing video and board games. His best friend is his diabetes alert dog, Luckie, who is constantly by his side, even when Mullins is sleeping.
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its fourth weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there is an activation space for Drive to Stop Diabetes.
Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes will host an activation space in the fan midway at a total of 15 races during the 2014 season. The display area features the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes racing simulator, diabetes awareness and educational materials, as well as various prizes.
“Bristol is a tough track, so it’s fitting that the Drive to Stop Diabetes Mustang will carry the name of a tough little boy,” said Reed. “Every week I get behind the wheel of this race car, I am able to prove to other people with diabetes that you can still live a normal life and pursue your dreams. Jonah is no different; he hasn’t let diabetes slow him down either. Hopefully we can put on a good show for him.”
The NNS takes the green flag from Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and PRN.
Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with championship drivers Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Ryan Reed and Chris Buescher. Having celebrated 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and its award-winning marketing campaigns for “RFR Driven”, “Let Ricky Race”, Pillow Pets, RickyvsTrevor.com, “25 Winning Years” and Google+. Visit RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+, become a fan on Facebook and Instagram and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.
