21
February
2019
|
13:16 PM
America/New_York

Nationwide/Hendrick Motorsports Honor Grant Reed

Many people in the sports world know the story of Grant Reed. When he was 11, Grant was diagnosed with brain cancer and shortly after, began treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. A huge Ohio State Buckeye fan, Grant named his cancer “Michigan” because he said, “Ohio State always beats Michigan” and he was going to beat cancer.

On Sunday, Feb. 10, Grant passed away after his seven-year battle with the disease. He was 18 years old.

In addition to being a Buckeye fan, Grant was also an avid NASCAR fan. He and his family had a very strong connection with the No. 88 Nationwide team through Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Patient Champion Program. Grant served as the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Alex Bowman drove the Nationwide Children’s Hospital car that year.

In 2016, Grant was a patient champion for the Kentucky race and was a guest of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Nationwide at the track that weekend.

Knowing Grant’s love for NASCAR, Nationwide and Hendrick Motorsports wanted to honor Grant’s memory and fight against cancer. They did so by placing his name over the passenger door of the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for all track activities during DAYTONA 500 week, including Sunday’s DAYTONA 500, where Alex and the No. 88 team finished 11th.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Reed family during this time.