08/10/2016
Reed Continues Momentum into Birthday Weekend
LEXINGTON, Ohio (August 10, 2016) – Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed has captured three top-10 finishes in the last six races, a stat he hopes to bolster this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Reed, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Friday, is coming off back-to-back top-10 finishes, one of those being last weekend’s road course in Watkins Glen. As the NASCAR XFINITY Series heads to another road course this weekend, all Reed wants for his birthday is to continue the momentum of the last couple of weeks.
“A win on my birthday weekend would be pretty cool for sure, but I just really want to continue the progress we’ve made in the past few races and make sure we are secure in our Chase hopes,” said Reed. “With the Chase starting in seven weeks, there is no better time for our No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association team to have a hot streak.”
After a disappointing start to the first half of the season, the team began their rebound at Daytona, where they finished sixth. After recording top-15 finishes in Loudon and Indianapolis, Reed captured back-to-back top-10’s at Iowa and Watkins Glen. With seven road-course starts under his belt, Reed feels more confident than ever to visit the 15-turn, 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
“Roush Fenway has put a great road course package together this year, which along with time on our simulator has really upped my confidence at the three road courses we visit in the NASCAR XFINITY Series,” said Reed. “Hopefully we can capitalize on that and we will really have something to celebrate at the end of the weekend.”
Just over five years ago,17-year old Reed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and told his dream of becoming a racecar driver had come to an end. Through working with his doctor, managing his diet and exercising, Reed was able to get back in the racecar and realize his dream.
“As I celebrate another birthday, I’m just thankful to be doing what I love after being told it would never be possible,” said Reed. “I manage my diabetes so I can continue to celebrate many birthdays to come, hopefully at a racetrack.”
Reed and the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association team take the track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for two practice sessions on Friday, August 12th, followed by group qualifying that evening.
Reed and the rest of the NASCAR XFINITY Series take the green flag at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, August 13th at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA 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 28th 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.
