Against The Odds, Ryan Reed Gets His Shot

Roush Fenway Racing announced today that Ryan Reed will drive the No. 16 RFR Ford full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series next season, competing for a championship and rookie-of-the-year honors with sponsorship from the American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign, presented by Lilly Diabetes.

Reed, who suffers from with Type 1 diabetes, collaborated with the American Diabetes Association for the Drive to Stop Diabetes  campaign in 2013, driving for RFR in a limited Nationwide schedule. Lilly, a leader in diabetes care since 1923, will be part of three NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season at Charlotte, Phoenix and Homestead, as well as the entire 2014 campaign.

The American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop Diabetes  campaign is working to combat a disease that takes a heavy toll on millions of individuals and families across our nation. Using Reed’s story, the campaign will increase awareness and educational efforts at NASCAR Nationwide races and off-track health and wellness initiatives throughout 2014.  

“Ryan refused to accept that his diagnosis was the end to his dreams. Instead, he saw it as his personal challenge to go beyond and build awareness, become a role model and give hope to all those affected by the disease,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “A major emphasis of our work is driven by the belief that people with diabetes should first be seen as individuals. It’s why Lilly Diabetes is proud to support the American Diabetes Association and Drive to Stop Diabetes. As an American institution with roots that go back generations, we are excited to embark on this partnership with the hopes of continuing to inform and inspire people affected by the disease.”

 “The American Diabetes Association is thrilled to join in this partnership with Roush Fenway Racing,” said Larry Hausner, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. “Ryan is such an incredible role model for those with diabetes, and his drive and ambition embodies the mission of the Association. We look forward to the collaboration in our efforts to Stop Diabetes.” 

"It is such an amazing feeling to be able to tie racing and diabetes awareness together,” Reed said. “Drive to Stop Diabetes  presented by Lilly Diabetes will be able to use the NASCAR platform to its fullest potential and make a huge difference. For me to be told just a little over two and half years ago I would never drive again, and now to be driving for Roush Fenway Racing, is pretty surreal. So many people have been a part of all this and it would not be possible without them. I thank the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes for their participation in this movement. I am so excited about how far Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes has come, and can't wait to watch the impact it has on so many lives."

“Ryan has shown a tremendous amount of talent in the races he has competed in for us this season,” said team owner Jack Roush. “His ability to not only battle the odds, but win out over the elements is a testament to the competitor that he is. We certainly are looking forward to getting him in the car on a full-time basis next season and at the same time teaming with the ADA and Lilly Diabetes to make a difference in the lives of people dealing with diabetes.”