Bristol Motor Speedway officials announce a multiyear sponsorship renewal with Lilly Diabetes for the April 18 NASCAR XFINITY Series race, now known as the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300.
Paired with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Pitt Lite 125, the event kicks off a Saturday racing doubleheader with a sponsorship that highlights the growing epidemic of diabetes not only in Tennessee, but nationwide.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with Lilly Diabetes in support of the Drive to Stop Diabetes initiative,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. “Diabetes is a prevalent issue nationally and in our local community. We are blessed to have the best fans in the world here at Bristol Motor Speedway, and this sponsorship allows us to call attention to an issue that touches some of them personally.”
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to make or effectively use insulin. It impacts nearly 30 million Americans with Tennessee ranking fifth nationally in percentage of adults diagnosed. A chronic condition, diabetes leads to serious complications if not properly managed and causes more deaths each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. A simple Diabetes Risk Test is available at www.drivetostopdiabetes.com.
“Taking action to understand your risk for getting diabetes — or if you already have diabetes, talking to your doctor about the best way to manage the disease — is essential to help prevent its devastating effects,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “More than 14 percent of the population of Tennessee has been diagnosed with diabetes. By working with the Bristol Motor Speedway, we hope to get people talking about the disease with their doctor, as well as their friends and family.”
In 2013, Lilly Diabetes became the presenting sponsor of the American Diabetes Association’s Drive to Stop Diabetes (D2SD). NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Ryan Reed is the voice of the initiative Reed, now age 21, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17. He drives the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing.
“If current trends continue, by the year 2050 it is estimated that as many as one in three American adults will be living with diabetes. We need to do something to change this course,” said Kevin L. Hagan, chief executive officer-elect, American Diabetes Association. “Drive to Stop Diabetes is critical in our efforts to help put an end to the devastating impact diabetes is having on our country. Through these efforts we can improve the lives of all people affected by this disease and move closer toward stopping diabetes.”
“I’m excited to get back on track at Bristol for some of the best short-track racing in the country,” said Ryan Reed.” I’m honored to represent the diabetes community by driving the No.16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang in the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300. I would like to thank Lilly Diabetes for taking every single opportunity this year to make this movement more impactful.”
Advance tickets to watch Ryan battle on the banks of the Last Great Colosseum during the Saturday, April 18, racing doubleheader start at just $30. Prices increase by $5 race week beginning at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, April 12,. Call (855) 580-5525 or visit www.bristoltix.com and reserve your seat today.
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