02/25/2017
Reed Perseveres to Win at Daytona; Gives Roush Fenway 10th NASCAR win at the ‘World Center of Racing’
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2017) – Ryan Reed used a lightning-fast race car and a plethora of determination and desire to hold off the field and win a wild and wooly NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Reed, who was told he would never race again after being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes six years ago, scored his second Daytona NXS win at Daytona in the last three seasons.
“I’ve had so many people come up and tell me how amazing my first win (Daytona) was,” said Reed in victory lane. “A lot of people know that I have Type 1 Diabetes and to see what (that) win meant to so many people drove me to get back to victory lane.”
The young drivers’ No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang was fast from the drop of the green flag. Reed qualified second and led the first lap, but in between that and taking the checkered flag the young driver battled through a day filled with red flags and multiple-car wrecks; two of which sent his Ford spinning through the infield grass.
“I started out pretty aggressive and made some mistakes and ended up at the back of the pack,” said Reed. “I knew if I was there at the end, I would have a shot. I reminded myself of that, took a deep breath and found a way to the front at the end.”
Reed restarted in the back of the field after getting caught up in his second accident on lap 105. The team worked diligently in the pits to repair damage to the splitter under caution and Reed would waste no time moving his car through the field and back to the front – taking the lead again on lap 117 and holding on through a green-white-checkered overtime finish for the win.
“Lilly Diabetes is so proud of Ryan’s winning performance at Daytona International Speedway and we continue to be impressed by his drive to live out his dreams on the race track while raising awareness of diabetes,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “This is our fourth season as Ryan’s sponsor and we couldn’t be happier seeing his success. Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2011 and hearing he would never race again, Ryan has been an amazing inspiration to the millions of Americans, including NASCAR fans, who are affected by diabetes. Through Ryan’s example, people with diabetes can see that through hard work, perseverance and proper management, the disease doesn’t need to stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams.”
The win was Roush Fenway’s record extending 138th NXS victory and its second NXS win at Daytona. It also marked the teams’ 10th NASCAR win at the famed 2.5-mile track. It is also Roush Yates Engines 250th NASCAR win.
