American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Ariela Benchlouch ‘Riding with Ryan’

By:
On:
In: Xfinity Series News

For the 11th time this season, Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  The No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSMpresented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry the name of Ariela Benchlouchabove the passenger side window. 

Benchlouch, who is now 19, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five.  Her mother, Carla, who also has type 1 diabetes, has always encouraged her daughter not to let diabetes slow her down.

The 19-year-old Miami native has always been extremely active.  In her early years, she participated in soccer, ballet and cross country.  She has been riding and competing in local and national equestrian horse competitions for more than 10 years.  She also keeps active by cycling, attending the gym and has recently become a CrossFit enthusiast.

The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its 11th weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  The name of an American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador was featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there was an activation space for Drive to Stop Diabetes.

“Just like so many of the Youth Ambassadors we’ve worked with this season, Ariela is another example of a person who hasn’t let diabetes stop her from doing the things that she loves,” said Reed.  “She has continued to live an extremely active lifestyle, showing people who have diabetes that they can keep doing the things they want to do.  The Drive to Stop Diabetes platform exists to show people just that – that diabetes does not have to define who you are or what you can accomplish.”

RFR PR

Speedway Digest Staff
Follow Me
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)
Post Views: 39