03/12/2017
Reed Crosses the Finish Line Ninth in Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (March 11, 2017) – Ryan Reed started Saturday afternoon’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from the 10th position and was a factor in the top-10 the majority of the 200-lap race, even a vibration mid-race and a loose handling No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang couldn’t keep him from persevering. When the checkered flag waved, Reed was scored ninth.
“Our day was a lot of up-and-down,” said Reed. “I knew we had a decent car. We faded at the end. I think if there’s one thing we’ve got to get better at is closing these deals out, which we did today. I felt like we had an eighth or ninth-place car and finished ninth. It wasn’t exactly how I saw it going down, but we got the finish. We fought hard all day and there’s a lot to be proud of and a lot to build off of, and the 6 had a really good run, too, so we’ve got good Ford Mustangs right now.”
Reed made the final round of qualifying, earning a 10th-place starting position Saturday afternoon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Continuing his top-10 starting streak to three in a row.
Reed started stage one of the race from the 10th position and finished the 45-lap stage 10th, despite reporting back to his team he had a vibration and his Lilly Diabetes Ford was loose. With the help of four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment Reed was able to gain a little ground in stage two before the handling issues escalated.
Over the final stage Reed was able to utilize pit stops for fresh tires and a wedge adjustment to gain some spots and overcome the handling woes. Multiple cautions unfolded as the race wound down, but Reed was able to earn a ninth-place finish in his No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang.
The XFINITY Series stays out West, heading to Phoenix International Raceway for the fourth race of the season on Saturday March 18th.
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 wide range of therapies 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.
