NASCAR Driver Ryan Reed Finishes Fourth at the Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona

ASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) driver and Lilly Diabetes ambassador Ryan Reedfinished fourth at the Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway Friday. Reed, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17, was told he would never race again. However, once he learned about the disease and strategies for proper management, he became a full-time driver for Roush Fenway Racing and an advocate for diabetes awareness.  

Since his diagnosis, Reed has joined forces with the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes on the Drive to Stop Diabetes(SM), an initiative launched in 2013 that brings awareness and diabetes education to thousands at select NASCAR races nationwide, as well as at several off-track health and wellness initiatives. Through Reed’s example, children and adults with diabetes can see that diabetes doesn’t need to stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.

“When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I knew that through hard work, dedication, and a great support system, I could learn how to manage the disease,” said Reed. “Finishing fourth is a great accomplishment, but just step one in what I hope is going to be a long career of firsts for this team. Success in my eyes is not to show that someone with diabetes can perform well in one race, but rather have no limits at all.”

Following his fourth place finish, Reed will continue to compete in the full schedule of NNS races and move forward with his career as a NASCAR driver.

“We are so proud of Ryan finishing fourth at the Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway and couldn’t be happier for him, his family, and his fans,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “Lilly Diabetes is honored to be working with him, as he is such an inspiration to the millions of Americans, including millions of NASCAR fans, who are at risk for, living with, or supporting a loved one with diabetes. Education and awareness are essential components of prevention and management of the disease. Through the Drive to Stop Diabetes(SM) program, we hope to get people talking about diabetes with their doctor, as well as their friends and family.”

“We are thrilled for Ryan on his success and are excited to be collaborating with him and Lilly Diabetes on the Drive to Stop Diabetes(SM) campaign, both of whom are helping raise critical awareness about diabetes and allowing us to further our movement to Stop Diabetes,” said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. 

For more information on Drive to Stop Diabetes(SM), follow Reed on Twitter at @driverRyanReed, like him on Facebook at Driver Ryan Reed, visit the campaign’s website at www.DriveToStopDiabetes.org, or follow it on Twitter at @D2SDiabetes.

Lilly PR