Greg Van Alst’s bold tribute brings a powerful message to Darlington Raceway. A striking paint scheme rolls onto the track, honoring an important cause. Inspired by Ryan Reed’s memorable design, this car holds a deeper meaning beyond racing. Greg Van Alst, diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021, continues to compete while raising awareness. Backed by CB Fabricating, this initiative highlights the ongoing fight against the condition. As the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 unfolds, this tribute takes center stage.
Key Highlights
- Greg Van Alst unveiled a diabetes awareness paint scheme inspired by Ryan Reed’s Lilly Diabetes car.
- Van Alst races with Type 1 Diabetes, sharing personal and family connections to the condition.
- CB Fabricating sponsors Van Alst, promoting diabetes awareness during NASCAR Throwback Weekend.
- The paint scheme was featured at the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 in Darlington.
- The event aims to increase diabetes education and advocacy within the racing community.
Greg Van Alst Honors Diabetes Awareness with Throwback Scheme
While honoring a significant cause, Greg Van Alst has revealed a new paint scheme dedicated to diabetes awareness. This design, inspired by Ryan Reed’s Lilly Diabetes car, highlights the importance of diabetes education and advocacy within the racing community.
Van Alst’s vehicle will proudly display this meaningful tribute during the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway.
The paint scheme serves as a visual homage, integrating elements evocative of Reed’s renowned car, and signifies the ongoing battle faced by millions affected by diabetes. The initiative aims to raise awareness, drawing attention to the personal and collective struggles associated with managing the condition.
“This throwback is so important to me for many reasons. Of course it’s very flattering for myself, but even more importantly it continues to draw attention to the entire diabetes community. Folks with diabetes wake up every day and fight silent battles. I hope this gives them a little encouragement to keep fighting the good fight.” – (reed)
Ryan Reed’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes in NASCAR
Ryan Reed’s journey in NASCAR is proof of resolve and resilience in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2011, Reed was initially told his racing career was over. Defying the prognosis, he carved a path that not only kept him on track but also inspired many facing similar challenges.
Reed partnered with Lilly Diabetes from 2013 to 2018, playing a vital role in raising awareness about the condition within the NASCAR community. His commitment to the sport was fortified through rigorous medical monitoring and specialized training, enabling him to compete at the highest levels.
- Diagnosed at a young age, yet remained undeterred
- Partnered with a major company to advocate for diabetes awareness
- Adopted advanced medical monitoring to stay in the game
- Proved that chronic conditions need not limit potential
- Became an emblem of perseverance for aspiring athletes with diabetes
“It was an incredibly difficult diagnosis. I was originally told I would never drive a race car again. Finding the right medical team was key for me to fight my way back to racing! Training and preparation became a much bigger part of my routine. Using a continuous glucose monitor is a key component to each and every race.” – (reed)
Van Alst’s Personal Connection to Type 1 Diabetes
Greg Van Alst’s expedition with Type 1 Diabetes demonstrates a steadfast commitment to his racing career, despite his diagnosis in 2021. His resolve is evident as he continues to race while carefully managing his condition.
Van Alst’s proactive approach includes maintaining a strict diet and equipping his car with two hydration bottles to guarantee his blood sugar remains stable during races.
“I really have to be conscious of what I eat around race time. A lot of drivers get nervous before a race and can’t eat. Many times I have had to force myself to eat right before a race. I also have two water bottles in the car at each race. One for water. One with a sugar drink to bring my sugar levels up if they drop.” – (Van Alst)
The support system he has cultivated is essential. His wife plays a significant role by remotely tracking his glucose levels and conveying real-time updates to his crew chief. This teamwork guarantees Van Alst can compete safely and effectively.
“My wife monitors my glucose levels from home and messages the crew chief with updates so he can let me know if I need to bring up my sugar levels.” – (Van Alst)
His connection to diabetes extends beyond his diagnosis; his younger brother and his sponsor’s son also face the challenges of Type 1 Diabetes. This shared path highlights the importance of family and community in maneuvering the complexities of living with diabetes, reinforcing his dedication on and off the track.
“Being a couple of years into my diabetes journey, I wanted to do something that would help share my story. What a better way than to throw back to a driver who was a huge advocate of the diabetes community while he was racing.” – (Van Alst)
CB Fabricating’s Role and Importance of Diabetes Awareness
CB Fabricating, led by owner Chris Barkdull, plays an essential role in supporting Greg Van Alst on and off the track.
As the primary sponsor, CB Fabricating, based in Anderson, Indiana, offers a range of fabrication services. This marks their inaugural participation in the NASCAR Throwback Weekend, a notable milestone that emphasizes their commitment to raising awareness on a national stage.
The collaboration with Van Alst highlights the importance of diabetes awareness, an issue deeply personal to many.
- Supporting a cause close to many hearts.
- Elevating diabetes awareness to a national level.
- Engaging with the NASCAR community for a greater cause.
- Demonstrating corporate responsibility through active involvement.
- Connecting fabrication expertise with community impact.
“This is Chris’s (Barkdull) first participation in NASCAR Throwback Weekend, and bringing further awareness to Type 1 Diabetes is incredibly important to all of us.” – (Van Alst)
“This initiative hits close to home for our team, and having the opportunity to highlight such a meaningful cause on a national stage is something we don’t take for granted. We’re proud to have Chris and his support behind this effort.” – (Van Alst)
Race and Broadcast Details for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200
The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, offering fans an exciting day of NASCAR action.
The event will commence with a practice session from 10:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. Eastern Time, providing drivers with essential track time to fine-tune their vehicles. Qualifying will follow at 11:05 a.m. ET, determining the starting positions for the race.
The highly anticipated green flag is scheduled to wave at 3:30 p.m. ET, marking the start of the race. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on The CW Network, with radio coverage available on MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
Furthermore, the race serves as a platform to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes, supported by organizations like Breakthrough T1D, Beyond Type 1, and the American Diabetes Association.
News in Brief: Greg Van Alst’s Bold Tribute
Greg Van Alst’s tribute at Darlington Raceway effectively accentuated diabetes awareness through his thoughtful throwback scheme. By drawing attention to Ryan Reed’s path with Type 1 Diabetes, Van Alst highlighted the personal and widespread impact of the disease.
Supported by CB Fabricating, the initiative emphasized the importance of awareness and advocacy. The tribute, part of the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200, served as a meaningful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living with diabetes.
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