09/28/2016

Reed to Attempt NASCAR Sprint Cup Debut at Talladega

CONCORD, N.C (Sept. 28, 2016) – Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed will attempt to make his Sprint Cup debut at Talladega Superspeedway in the Alabama 500 on Oct. 23, behind the wheel of the No. 99 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Fusion. In 2011 – having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – the young driver was told he would never get behind the wheel of a race car again.

Five years later, Reed – having already won at the famed Daytona International Speedway and qualified 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.

“I am really looking forward to Talladega and racing in the Sprint Cup race,” said Reed, who is sponsored by Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association. “For anyone that has ever had the chance to get behind the wheel of a race car, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the ultimate goal.

“To realize that dream and to have been able to do it by properly managing my diabetes means a lot to me and the people that have stood beside me,” added Reed. “My goal is to qualify for the race, have a strong performance and continue to show people that with the proper management and support team you can overcome the obstacles in front of you – even diabetes – and accomplish your dreams.”

Reed is currently fourth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase grid. In each of his three NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at the 2.66-mile track, Reed has qualified his Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford in the top-10 and has led a total of 37 laps.

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 2:00 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.