‘Reedy’ to go: Daytona winner Ryan Reed leads Roush Fenway Racing to Atlanta

In February of 2011, Ryan Reed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and was told by doctors he’d never be able to drive a race car again.

Four years later he’s a NASCAR national series race winner.

Reed pulled a crafty move to the inside to pass 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski on the final lap of the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway and received a timely push from Roush Fenway Racing teammate Chris Buescher to capture his first NASCAR XFINITY Series victory.

“I can’t describe the emotions and the feelings that go into the first win,” Reed said. “So much hard work and sacrifice from all my guys – (crew chief) Seth (Barbour) and (owner) Jack (Roush) and everyone who stood behind me, including Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.”

Reed will attempt to win his second race when he leads a quartet of RFR drivers – which includes young guns Buescher, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. and two-time NASCAR XFINITY Series runner-up Elliott Sadler – to Atlanta Motor Speedway for Saturday’s Hisense 250 (2 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1). The 21-year-old finished 18th in his only start at Atlanta last season.

“This past week has been a whirlwind after earning my first win at Daytona – just overwhelming. Seth (Barbour), the team and I have a tremendous amount of confidence and momentum from the win that will carry us into this weekend’s race at Atlanta,” Reed said. “Our communication has improved so much since the last time we were there and I really think we have a chance to continue our hot streak and bring home another win.”