March 28, 2024

IndyCar racer Charlie Kimball making visit at Hy-Vee

Newton Hy-Vee along with Mercy and Novo Nordisk will be hosting IndyCar racer Charlie Kimball from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Hy-Vee, 1501 First Ave. E. Kimball drives the No. 83 car for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series and is the first licensed driver with diabetes in the history of IndyCar.

“We’re pleased Charlie Kimball will be on hand to greet visitors and tell his story,” Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Jenny Thompson said.

Born in England and raised in California, Kimball began racing go-karts at the age of 9 and although he was accepted to Stanford University, he chose to bypass admission to follow his dream of becoming a race car driver. In 2007, at age 22, Kimball was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and was forced to abandon his racing program mid-season. After his diagnosis, Kimball returned to racing in 2008 and claimed a podium finish in his first race back in the car.

In 2011, Kimball joined the newly formed Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing team for his rookie season in the Verizon IndyCar Series. He went on to have two top-10 finishes and become the first driver with diabetes to qualify, start and finish the Indianapolis 500.

On Aug. 4, 2013, Kimball again made history by becoming the first driver with diabetes to win an IndyCar race, his first victory at the highest level of the sport.

Today, Kimball continues to compete in the highly competitive racing category, proving that living with diabetes does not have to restrict him from doing what he loves and living his dream.

Hy-Vee will also have the Healthy You Mobile at the event. Free of charge, people will have the opportunity to have their blood sugar checked with no prior fasting required. Reusable shopping bags stuffed with samples along with a variety of other items will also be handed out to those who stop by. Novo Nordisk, the world’s leading diabetes care company, will also be present signing individuals up for the CornerStones for Care program.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com