IZOD IndyCar Series driver, Charlie Kimball (No. 83 Novo Nordisk Honda), of the Race with Insulin™ program, has gained the support of his fellow CGRT teammates across NASCAR, INDYCAR and GRAND-AM, combining for a Race with Insulin™ Unites initiative, according to the Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) and partner Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care.
CGRT NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) teammate Jamie McMurray (No. 1 Chevrolet SS) and Kimball will sport Race with Insulin™ paint schemes during the weekend of 5-7 April, at the Martinsville Speedway and Barber Motorsports Park. The paint schemes will show that with the right management plan and ”team” support, people with diabetes can start to get their diabetes on track.
All other CGRT cars (Juan Pablo Montoya’s No. 42 Chevrolet SS – NASCAR, Scott Dixon’s No. 9 Honda – INDYCAR, Dario Franchitti’s No. 10 Honda – INDYCAR and Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas’ No. 1 BMW – GRAND-AM) will run blue tire rims to help launch the Race with Insulin™ Unites campaign. The blue rims will emulate a blue circle, which is the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) global symbol for diabetes, to support Kimball’s quest to educate more people about diabetes.
“If our team can help others understand that even with diabetes, you can live life to the fullest, then we are glad to help,” said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. “Charlie is an emerging talent in the race car, and he is an even better human being. A program like this speaks volumes about him.”
Chip Ganassi has been involved in auto racing for more than 30 years. He himself had enjoyed a strong career as a driver. Today, his teams enjoy that success as well. A native of Pittsburgh, his team now retains its corporate office there.
Approximately 26 million people are currently living with diabetes in the US, according to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
“Diabetes is one of the greatest health threats of our time,” said Michael Hirst, IDF President. “With the support of such programs, we can begin to tackle a disease which is expected to affect 552 million people around the world by the year 2030.”
Kimball, who is in his third season with Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during a routine physician’s visit in 2007 while racing in Europe. Kimball returned to the F3 Euroseries in April 2008 and finished second in his first race back after the diagnosis.
Determined to get back on the track, Kimball worked with his doctor keep him safe and healthy in and out of the race car. Along with diet and exercise, he uses a pre-filled insulin pen and a continuous glucose monitor to ensure that his diabetes is properly managed, so that when he gets in the car, he can focus on racing.
“I am able to live my dream and compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series because I have been fortunate to have the support of Novo Nordisk and my teammates, who are extensions of my on-track pit crew,” said Kimball, who recently became an IDF Blue Circle Champion for diabetes.
Visit www.RaceWithInsulin.com for more information.
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company, headquartered in Denmark. It is a leader in diabetes care, having created the first insulin pen device. A prefilled pen allows the diabetic to adjust the dosage so as to get the right amount. The pens are designed to be simple and discreet.
NOTE:
This article was taken in part from a press release by Novo Nordisk. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your physician. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes, make an appointment with your physician.
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