02/19/2016
Daytona History: Reliving Ryan Reed’s 2015 Daytona Victory
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Last year in the first start of his sophomore season in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed captured his first career victory, and the organization’s first XFINITY Series win at the famed 2.5-mile track. Reed led 14 laps behind the wheel of the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang en route to the victory.
“It was amazing,” said Reed, who overcame a diagnosis of Type I diabetes to drive full-time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. “I can’t describe the emotions and the feelings that go into the first win – so much hard work and sacrifice from all my guys – (crew chief) Seth Barbour and Jack and everyone who stood behind me.
“To be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and to have Lilly Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association, Ford and Roush Fenway – everyone who stood behind me through it all – to get our first win at Daytona, get the first XFINITY win, there are just a lot of firsts there and it’s really exciting.”
Reed’s victory marked team co-owner Jack Roush’s first win in the XFINITY Series at Daytona International Speedway. In his previous 77 starts, Roush came close to victory on multiple occasions, finishing second five times.
The Bakersfield, Calif. native qualified eighth for the 120-lap season opener at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Reed remained in contention for the duration of the race, taking the lead for the first time of the day on Lap 88. The young driver paced the field for 13 laps, before dropping back into the top-10. As the race came to a close, Reed maneuvered into position to battle for the lead. Reed crossed the finish line just ahead of his competitors to capture the victory.
In 85 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Daytona International Speedway, Roush Fenway has earned one victory and two poles, along with 20 top-five and 41 top-10 finishes.
Reed looks to repeat last season’s Daytona success again in the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang, while Roush Fenway teammate Bubba Wallace seeks his first victory in the XFINITY Series behind the wheel of the No. 6 Selfeo Ford Mustang.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series will take the green flag from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing on FoxSports1. Fans can listen to the broadcast on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
