Ryan Reed to Drive Nationwide Car for Roush in 2014

DRIVER WITH DIABETES GETS DREAM RIDE – When Ryan Reed was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in February 2011, he was also told that he would never drive a race car again. For a budding young driver who dreamed of making a life as a racer, it could have been a devastating blow.

Instead, Reed spent 24 hours feeling frustrated and alone before deciding he wouldn’t let his diagnosis stop him and then began researching his options. Two years later, he’s in a position he wasn’t sure he could ever attain: Full-time NASCAR driver.

Roush Fenway Racing officials announced Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway that Reed would drive the No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford for the full 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. Reed is also competing in this weekend’s Dollar General 300 with the same crew.

“I’ve raced all my life, since I was four years old, and two years ago I was told I’d never be in a race car again,” Reed said. “It’s amazing to come from being told I would never drive a race car again to being in this position. It’s just a humbling experience, and I’m excited beyond words to be here.”

Mike Mason, vice president of Lilly Diabetes (U.S.), said the partnership was such a natural fit that it was a no-brainer.

“When we learned about this program, it just felt right at home for us,” Mason said. “It’s the core of who we are as a company, and we couldn’t be more excited. We talked for this first time in July and we moved very quickly; we put the pedal to the metal and decided to do this.”

Reed has started three races this season for Roush Fenway Racing, posting one top-10 finish. But it’s the young driver’s determination in the face of adversity that has really impressed team owner Jack Roush.

“He’s been tough-minded when facing his diabetes, and he’s role model for others,” Roush said. “He’s a perfect example of what a positive approach and a can-do attitude can accomplish in the face of adversity, which makes him an inspiration.”

Reed said he didn’t set out to become an example; he just wanted to race.

“When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t really understand what diabetes was, and I was like, well I got a race in two weeks, so whatever we’ve got to do here,” Reed said. “And when I realized it wasn’t just something you could slap a Band-Aid on and move on, I just really wanted to understand the disease and find out what was holding me back. That was the key to my salvation.”

Reed began working with the same doctor who manages IndyCar driver and fellow diabetes sufferer Charlie Kimball’s disease, and together they worked through all of the issues that could keep Reed out of the car. He has a glucose monitor attached to the outside of his stomach with a small “hair wire” that is inserted inside; all of that is attached to a device on his dashboard that monitors his levels. He has a hydration system on board with a high-sugar blend, and he has a pit crew member at the ready during pit stops with a glucose gun or insulin injection, should his levels get too high or low at any point.

But Reed said those are all just safety nets supporting the work he does outside of the car with diet, nutrition and workout programs that keep his body on a steady track.

“It’s a lot, but it’s all worth it,” Reed said. “I never expected to be in this position when I was diagnosed. But here I am.”

CAMPGROUND DECORATIONS WINNER – Annie Moody and Wayne Campbell have been coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway for 25 years. They started as strangers who just happened to camp next to each other. Over the years, they became family.

“Racing family is what we call it,” Campbell said.

That NASCAR family worked together to decorate their three integrated campsites this weekend, bringing home the award of “Infield Camping Campground Decoration Winner” Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“About 15 years ago, we decided to spruce up our site for the October race,” Moody said. “So we do this every year anyway. But this year I saw on the internet there was a contest, and we actually won it!”

Moody’s daughter, Kelly Wilson, said her mom buys decorations all year long – but especially during post-holiday clearance sales – to add to their collection.

In addition to the sign declaring their world dominance – or at least infield camping dominance – the crew also picked up a signed Kenny Wallace poster, a checkered flag, an outdoor carpet for their campground, and most important, bragging rights.

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