CONCORD, N.C. – Lilly Diabetes announced Monday afternoon that the company will end its sponsorship of Roush Fenway Racing and driver Ryan Reed at the conclusion of the season.
Lilly Diabetes has backed Reed at Roush Fenway Racing since he joined the team in 2013 for a part time schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“For the past five years, we have been fortunate to have had a wonderful partnership with Ryan Reed and Roush Fenway Racing. Together, we have increased awareness among NASCAR fans about the importance of managing diabetes and have inspired people with diabetes to live the lives they want to live,” said Jennifer Hoopingarner, Global Communications Manager at Eli Lilly and Company. “Moving forward, we have decided to shift our focus to other initiatives that support the diabetes community and, therefore, our partnership with Roush Fenway Racing to sponsor Ryan will end at the conclusion of the 2018 NASCAR season.
“We are grateful to Ryan for his dedication to the diabetes community, and we admire all he has accomplished. We wish him all the success in the future as we turn from sponsor to fans. We also thank Jack Roush and the team at Roush Fenway Racing for their exceptional partnership.”
Reed has run full time in the Xfinity Series with Lilly sponsorship each of the past five seasons. He has scored two wins – both at Daytona Int’l Speedway – along with seven top-five and 26 top-10 finishes in 167 starts.
Though he made the playoffs for the third-straight season this year, Reed was eliminated in the opening round and ranks 12th in points entering this weekend’s race at Kansas Speedway.
Reed indicated that he will begin searching for a ride for next season in a statement released on social media, calling himself a free agent.
“I want to thank everybody for their help in making a lot of dreams come true for me over the last five years,” said Reed. “When one door closes, other doors open. I am so excited for what the future holds. If I have learned anything over the years, it’s that overcoming adversity is just another challenge.
“I am ready for the challenge of free agency and putting myself in the opportunity to do what I love, which is win races and be a champion for others who live with diabetes,” he added. “Seven and a half years ago, when I was diagnosed, I was told that I would never drive race cars again. I defied that then and have no doubt that I will continue to defy that and compete in the sport I love.”
Despite ending their team partnership, Lilly Diabetes will continue their official partnership with NASCAR.
“As the official diabetes health partner of NASCAR, we look forward to continuing our support of fans impacted by diabetes through our educational initiatives that raise awareness of the importance of diabetes management and overall good health,” noted Hoopingarner.
