A NASCAR racer from Bakersfield is attempting to become the first driver to qualify for a Sprint Cup level race while actively managing diabetes. 23-year-old Ryan Reed says he’s confident going into Saturday’s racing at Talladega Motor Speedway about his car and his condition. He told KUZZ News that new technology allows him to manage diabetes while still living and extreme lifestyle. Reed is hoping to qualify for Sunday’s Alabama 500 believing it would be a great launch into National Diabetes Awareness Month in November.

Sean Michael Lisle/Suzanne Grant