For the second time this season, Roush Fenway Racing’s (RFR) Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSMpresented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry Sam Faust’s name. Sixteen-year-old Faust is a Youth Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association.
Faust was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago, at age 13. However, the now 16-year old, did not allow the diagnosis to derail his goals. Just two months after leaving the hospital, he competed in a United States Marine Corps mud run and outperformed several of the adults.
He did not stop with one mud run. To-date, the high school student has completed five mud runs, several triathlons, a half-marathon, and two distance bike races, where he finished first in his age division. Faust also prides himself on being the youngest finisher of the century ride for the past three years in the South Carolina Tour de Cure.
“It has been refreshing to work and ride with other people that are affected by diabetes,” said Faust. “It just shows me that having diabetes doesn’t make you who you are. When I’m working with the American Diabetes Association and the Drive to Stop Diabetes program, I feel like I have a family that understands me and helps me make it easier for others to understand about themselves what I’ve learned about myself.”
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its second weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there is an activation space for Drive to Stop Diabetes.
Drive to Stop Diabeteswill host an activation space in the fan midway at a total of 15 races during the 2014 season. The display area features the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes racing simulator, diabetes awareness and educational materials, as well as various prizes.
“It’s an honor to carry Sam’s name on the No. 16 Mustang this weekend,” Reed said. “Sam is a true testament that diabetes does not have to put your dreams on hold. We have a special patriotic paint scheme starting this weekend in Charlotte. I’m excited to represent Sam and the heroes of our military, and proud of the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes for honoring them too.”
RFR PR
