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Racing is in his blood, but at age 22, Charlie Kimball learned of something else affecting his body.
"I went to a doctor's office with a skin rash. He did some tests and I came out in a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes," said Kimball.
But he didn't let the diagnosis keep him from chasing his dreams.
"I'm living proof that diabetes doesn't have to slow you down," he added.
Before each big race, Kimball fine tunes his body.
"I'm checking my blood sugar. I'm managing my blood sugar by taking my insulin," Kimball said. "I'm managing my nutrition. I'm managing my hydration."
His #83 Indycar is retrofitted to help him keep his diabetes in check.
On the steering wheel is a dash that displays his car's vitals, as well as, his blood sugar levels.
He also is connected to two drink bottles while behind the wheel.
"One of water for hydration and a second one full of orange juice," said Kimball.
"The two tubes come together from the drink bottle mounted inside of the car and while I'm running the race, I can reach up and flip back and forth back as needed."
If needed, a pit crew member is trained to adminster a shot of insulin or glucosamine during a pit stop.
"Just like they make sure that the car is running right, they can help me keep track and make sure that my body is running right," he said.
It's all proof that diabetes doesn't have to slow you down.
"You may have to make some adjustments, but it shouldn't get in the way of living your dream," said Kimball.
Kimball will race with the Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway June 11.
