American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Nick Klaus will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The Peoria, Ariz. native will have his name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Ford Mustang.
Klaus was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2010 at the age of eight. While it took a while to get used to the constant finger pricking and insulin shots, Klaus adjusted well and continued with great courage and determination. Now 13 years old, he has not let diabetes slow him down. He has been playing baseball since the age of five and currently plays third base on his local junior/senior team.
Klaus also has an interest in motorsports. He watches races with his dad, who shares his love of race cars and motorcycles. Klaus says he is “proud” to have his name on the No. 16 Ford Mustang this weekend and Reed shares that sentiment.
“It’s awesome to share a name on the car this weekend with a fellow motorsports enthusiast,” said Reed. “It’s clear that Nick is a great role model of how it’s possible to overcome the obstacles associated with being diagnosed with diabetes. His involvement with sports is a testament to the fact that diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down. I’m excited to have his name on our No. 16 Ford Mustang this weekend as we support American Diabetes Month.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into PIR for the second time this season. In March, Reed finished 13th at PIR after starting 17th.
To recognize everyone that lives with diabetes in the state of Arizona, Reed will run a special paint scheme this weekend featuring a multitude of stars to represent the prevalence of diabetes in the state. Reed’s No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang will also feature an American Diabetes Month® decal. American Diabetes Month is part of an effort by the American Diabetes Association to spread awareness of the disease, featuring programs designed to focus the nation’s attention on the issues surrounding diabetes and the many people who are impacted by the disease.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from PIR on Saturday, November 14th at 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and MRN.
RFR PR
- Ward Breaks Winless Streak; Butner Also Takes Checkered at Bowman Gray - April 27, 2024
- Truex repeats at the Monster Mile in the BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race - April 27, 2024
- Hodgdon & Silk Win NAPA Auto Parts Duels; Keane, Clement, & Hydar Score NAPA Auto Parts Duel Feature Wins at Stafford Speedway - April 27, 2024