American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassadors Ian and Caleb VanDruff to ‘Ride with Ryan’

American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassadors Ian and Caleb VanDruff will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Watkins Glen International (WGI). The Sayre, Pa. natives will have their names featured on a decal above the passenger-side door on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.

The 14-year-old twins were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just six months apart in 2008. Since their diagnosis at age seven, the twins have been determined to battle every day to find a cure for diabetes. They both participate in the American Diabetes Association’s Finger Lakes Tour De Cure® cycling event and attend Camp Aspire, an Association camp for kids living with diabetes. Their cycling team of 100 members recently raised $35,000 for the American Diabetes Association.

Despite sharing in their diagnosis and birthday, the high school freshmen have their own unique interests. Caleb enjoys being on stage, either singing or acting, and recently performed in a summer production of “Anything Goes.” He also enjoys riding his bike and completed his longest ride of 65 miles at the age of 13.

Ian also enjoys biking and shares in his brother’s accomplishment of completing a 65-mile ride. He has recently taken up stand up paddle boarding and competes in time trial races. When he’s not riding his bike or on the water, Ian enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music.

“It’s so cool to see how Ian and Caleb came together as a team to support each other and help find a cure for diabetes,” said Reed. “Their cycling and personal accomplishments are truly impressive and just show that diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your goals. Ian and Caleb are definitely awesome role models for the Drive to Stop Diabetes program and hopefully we can bring home a good finish for them this weekend.”

Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into the first road course on the schedule this weekend at WGI. Reed finished 12th in his first appearance at the track in 2014. 

The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 8 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and MRN.

RFR PR