07/08/2017
Reed Collected in Jumbled Start at Kentucky
SPARTA, K.Y. (July 8, 2017) – The field was taken by surprise coming to the green as the leaders unexpectedly checked up and created a melee in their wake. Ryan Reed started 21st and checked up, but was pushed from behind. Reed’s No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford suffered extensive damage. The team got Reed back out on the track two laps down before requiring a trip to the garage for an oil leak. Once returning to the track, the oil temperatures kept rising, sending Reed back to the garage to end his race early–resulting in a 36th-place finish.
“We just got ko’d on lap one there,” said Reed. “They brought us down really slow and took off and stopped again. I saw those guys check up and I laid off, as the No. 11 and whoever was behind me came with a full head of steam and picked my rear tires up and shoved us into the No. 11. We went back out there with the car completely destroyed and ran a top-10 lap time, so I know we had a good car. The oil was getting too hot to keep running. We salvaged a few spots though. Thank God we have a win at Daytona. That is the insurance that it bought us getting a win down there and locked into the playoffs.”
Reed was in the 21st position on the inside line coming to the green flag for what should have been 200-laps at Kentucky Speedway. The two drivers leading the field to the green checked up and created an accordion effect in their wake. Reed checked up to avoid what was unfolding in front of him, but as pushed from behind into the No. 11. The nose of the No. 16 was pushed in and the hood was buckled. Reed navigated his way to pit road with heavy assistance from his spotter. Repairs were made in just two laps and Reed was back on the track.
Smoke was coming from the No. 16 following the incident coming to the green flag. It was determined there was oil leaking, so Reed took his Lilly Diabetes Ford to the garage for repairs. The team worked fast and got Reed back on track a few laps later.
Even with a heavily damaged Ford, Reed was able to run competitive lap times, but the damage had taken a toll. The oil temperature continued to rise, sending Reed to the garage and ending his day early.
About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a wide range of therapies and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.
