BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Screens of colorful telemetry data are race engineer Brad Goldberg’s pit lane connection to the status of the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing car. Periodically, he’ll also glance at a monitor to check the driver’s status.

Charlie Kimball, the only licensed driver with type 1 diabetes to compete in open-wheel racing, wears a glucose monitor while on the track. Consultation and planning with his endocrinologist has allowed Kimball to continue his motorsports career after the diagnosis in October 2007.

It’s a matter of how he manages the autoimmune disorder that afflicts about 26 million (and growing) individuals in the United States.

“As much as the guys repair the race car, fuel it and everything else, I’m doing the same thing with my body, making sure that I’m getting the nutrition, that I’m getting the hydration, I’m managing my blood sugars, I’m taking my injections as needed all the way through so that when it’s time to go racing physically, mentally and emotionally, I’m prepared to give it everything I can,” said Kimball, who is in his third IZOD IndyCar Series season.

In the car, he has two drink bottles for a boost when needed.

“One (is) full of water to stay hydrated and a second one (is) full of orange juice, which has a lot of sugar in it,” Kimball said. “The tube runs into my helmet, so if I need sugar I can flip a valve, drink some orange juice, get some carbohydrates.”

This weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, the four Chip Ganassi Racing Teams cars in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Grand-Am races have partnered with Novo Nordisk for the Race with Insulin Unites initiative, which is designed to show that with the right management plan and team support, individuals can get their diabetes on track.

“If our team can help others understand that even with diabetes, you can live life to the fullest, then we are glad to help,” team owner Chip Ganassi said. “A program like this speaks volumes about (Kimball).” 

The cars are sporting blue rims and Kimball’s car is sheath in a special Race with Insulin Unites paint scheme. The rims emulate a blue circle, which is the International Diabetes Federation’s global symbol for diabetes.

Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, is a longtime sponsor of Kimball’s motorsports pursuits. It’s truly a partnership, with Kimball sharing a message that despite his medical condition he’s able to compete in the demanding sport.

“Together, we’ve grown our partnership from a small logo on my suit and talking about having diabetes to a full program,” said Kimball, who co-drove the winning overall entry in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. “The opportunity for me to meet all sorts of great people with diabetes across the country, tell them my story and hear their stories, it reminds me that no matter how good or bad a day I have at the racetrack it’s more important than just me in the race car.”

Visit www.RaceWithInsulin.com for more information.