CHASE PELLETIER: CHASING HIS DREAMS Meet Chase Pelletier, a 20-year-old Brampton, Ontario native who began racing go-karts at the age of 10, and has trained in karate since age five. He was diagnosed with T1D just one month after his first competitive go-kart race. Since then, diabetes has done anything but slow Chase down. In fact, having diabetes only strengthened his resolve, letting nothing stand in the way of his racing aspirations. After climbing the ladder to rank among the top karters in Canada, Chase moved to open wheel car racing, winning the F1600 Canadian Championship in his second year of competition. Away from the track, Chase has achieved Shodan (black belt) status in Goju Karate at age 16, currently working toward 2nd degree. Chase is also a 3rd-year University student, working toward a degree in Automotive Engineering. Chase’s dedication for racing and karate is only matched by his passion for making a positive impact in the diabetes community. He regularly visits hospitals and diabetes camps, spreading inspiration to children facing the challenges of diabetes. Chase has been a guest speaker at seven international diabetes conferences and was presented with the Inspiration Award in 2011 by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Chase is also a strong supporter of the JDRF, helping to create 3rd party fundraisers that have raised in excess of $150,000 to date.

CHASING YOUR DREAMS “It was pretty overwhelming at first. But I decided with my family early on, that we were not going to let diabetes drag me down - we needed to try to think of positive ways to deal with it.” And that’s exactly what Chase is doing. In addition to public speaking in the diabetes community, Chase put together his own workshop for the newly diagnosed children to help inspire them, particularly in the early stages. “When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know anybody with diabetes, and I didn’t know anything about it. The workshop shows other kids that they’re not alone with this.” In the early days, Chase and his father brought their race trailer along to the clinics. Chase says, “We brought the kart with us and let the kids sit in it and take pictures, and we just talked and made it more of a positive thing. We also go and speak to kids one-on-one in their house if they need that extra help when we can. I remember one little kid who was eight years old. He really wanted an insulin pump, but he was just a little scared of the infusion sites. I let him put a site in me, so after that he got comfortable with it. He moved onto an insulin pump after that, so it was a good experience”

MORE THAN JUST MANAGING DIABETES

THE USF2000 CHAMPIONSHIP

THE SERIES

The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda debuted in 2010 and is a continuation of the highly regarded USF2000 series which ran from 1990 through 2006, launching the careers of many of today’s top drivers. Sanctioned by INDYCAR, the series is the first official step on the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires - a clearly defined path to reach the top echelons of the sport. In addition to providing a vital training ground for rising stars, the series champion will earn a scholarship package from Mazda of nearly $400K to advance to the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, the next step on the ladder system.

HISTORY

USF2000 has served as a formative step for drivers dating back to 1990. Drivers who have honed their skills in the series include Indy 500 winners Dan Wheldon, Sam Hornish Jr. and Buddy Rice, Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Charlie Kimball, JR Hildebrand and Spencer Pigot, and sports car talents Andy Lally, Memo Rojas and Memo Gidley to name a few.

Round Date Track Venue Series Test Feb. 28 - March 1 Homestead, FL Homestead Road Course 2.21-mile, 14-Turn Road Course Rounds 1/2 March 10-12 St. Petersburg, FL Streets of St. Petersburg 1.8-mile, 14-Turn Street Circuit Rounds 3/4 April 21-23 Birmingham, AL Barber Motorsports Park 2.3-mile, 17-Turn Road Course Rounds 5/6 May 11-13 Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit 2.439-mile, 14-Turn Road Course Rounds 7/8 June 23-25 Elkhart Lake, WI Road America 4.014-mile, 14-Turn Road Course Round 9 July 8-9 Newton, IA Iowa Speedway .875-Mile Oval Rounds 10/11 July 14-16 Toronto, Ontario Streets of Toronto 1.786-mile, 11-Turn Street Circuit Rounds 12/13 July 28-30 Lexington, OH Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2.258-mile, 13-Turn Road Course Rounds 14 September 1-3 Watkins Glen, NY Watkins Glen International 3.37-mile, 11-Turn Road Course

The 14-race schedule features five road course, two street circuits, and one oval venue. With the exception of the oval and the season-ending finale at Watkins Glen, which features all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy, every venue hosts a double-header round, run in conjunction with the Verizon IndyCar Series.

The Schedule also has to be edited according to the USF2000 schedule provided.

2017 SCHEDULE

Team Benik Benik’s performance in Motorsport is second to none. Exploding onto the scene in late 2013 at the annual SuperKarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals, BENIK Kart has grown to compete alongside other manufacturers, soon dominating the pinnacle of all karting events in North America. To date, 26 championship titles, over 100 race victories, and more than 150 podiums.

Owned and operated by Ben Cruttenden and Nick Mitchell, the British duo is working hard to establish a high quality and user-friendly brand throughout North America.

Now considered the team of choice for many karting stars, Benik has made the progression to open wheel car competition – USF2000, the first official step on the Mazda Road to Indy. USF2000 is the perfect proving ground for drivers making their first steps with racing slicks and downforce. The championship offers the ideal foundation to launch a professional career in motorsports.

TEAM BENIK

Q & A with CHASE

Chase spoke to members of the Carb DM community at a special event, describing the cars that he drives and sharing how he manages his diabetes on the racetrack. Chase also posed for photographs and answered questions from the audience. It was great to get to know Chase a little better! He is such an inspiring young man and we wish him the best of luck. Here are excerpts from Chase’s Q&A session after his talk:

When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed in May 2007. I got out of the hospital the day before my 11th birthday. No birthday cake for me that year! Do you celebrate your dia-birthday? Not so far, but my 10th dia-birthday is just a couple of months away. I may not have chosen it, but it made me stronger, so I think I’ll celebrate this one! What do you eat on race days? I usually have an egg sandwich for breakfast. What I have for lunch varies because the racing schedule varies so much, so I have to roll with it. I try to stay with foods I know well and nothing too crazy on carbs. (Chase’s father, Dave added, “No pizza during race days! Chase prefers fast carbs, because it’s easier to manage without worrying about blood sugar levels spiking later”.)

How do you prepare for a race? The key for my diabetes is to stay with what works. Plenty of sleep, healthy food with predictable carbs and watch my blood sugar levels very closely. My training consists of a mix of cardio and weight training. Since I can’t do as many actual practice runs as I’d like, my dad and I built a racing simulator so I can learn the tracks faster. How do you manage your blood sugars during a race? I move my target blood sugar level up slightly to help avoid an unexpected and possibly dangerous lows. To perform well in any sport, consistent BG levels are very important, so I test very often throughout the day. I monitor my blood sugar during my races via my CGM which is mounted on my steering wheel. If my blood sugar level begins to drop a bit, I sip Gatorade through a tube piped into my helmet, to protect against a low BG. I watch carefully to see what works, and take note of what doesn’t.

Have you ever pulled out of a race because your blood sugars were too low? So far, it hasn’t happened, because I put a lot of work into making sure I stay one step ahead. My dad also helps a lot to ensure my diabetes is well controlled at the track, so I can spend more time focusing on racing. (Chase’s father, added, “Chase made the connection very early on that putting his diabetes management first was critical for him to perform at his best, and even to just enjoy things and have fun. It became a huge internal inspiration for him to manage diabetes instead of fighting with it”).

Does it frustrate you when you’re driving around town and you have to follow the speed limit? Actually, I’m one of the slower drivers! I like to be on or under the speed limit, in a street car.

THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

Our mission is to prevent, treat and cure diabetes. Our vision is a world free of diabetes and its complications. Joslin Diabetes Center, based in Boston, Massachusetts, undertakes diabetes research, clinical care, education and health and wellness programs on a global scale. Joslin is dedicated to ensuring that people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real progress in preventing and curing diabetes. Joslin is an independent, nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and is recognized worldwide for driving innovative solutions in diabetes prevention, research, education, and care.

THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

We make insulin pumps, and we give our time, guidance and support to the people who use them. Our inspiration comes from helping people perform at their best with diabetes, and we are so very proud of Chase Pelletier and the example he sets for other young people with diabetes. Not only is he determined to pursue a racing career, but he is also equally as committed to giving back and making a difference in the diabetes community. For his heart and strength of character, we salute Chase as a hero and a champion of what it means to live an unstoppable life!

Chase’s passion for racing is only matched by his passion for making a positive difference in the diabetes community. With his racing program as a backdrop, Chase visits hospitals and diabetes camps, spreading inspiration and encouragement to children facing the challenges of diabetes with his “Get Your Diabetes On Track” workshop. He has been a guest speaker at 7 international diabetes conferences and was presented with the Inspiration Award in 2011 by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Chase is also the driving force behind the Academy Of Martial Arts (his dojo), Karate Chops Diabetes program. Having successfully achieved his Black Belt in Goju Karate in June 2012, Chase lead the way helping to raise close to $150,000 for JDRF to date, on the way to their goal of $250,000.

True to his positive messages about diabetes, Chase aspires to compete at the highest levels of open wheel racing. Says Chase: “Diabetes taught me I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. Martial Arts has given me focus and determination. Achieving my dreams won’t be easy, but it is only a matter of time before it is a reality”.

PRESS

MAGAZINESpring 2010 • Volume 2, No. 1

ALSO THIS MONTH ...

• RACING HISTORY

THE VINELAND SPEEDWAY ... Long gone but not forgotten• Behind the Gates of Monticello Motor Club• Enduring Preparations at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona• Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI Cup Helps Make Dreams Come True

ARE YOU

BORNFORSPEED?

OUR LIST OF

20(plus 10)things to do

2K10in

EURO RALLY CROSS • CHASE PELLETIER’S FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES • GRASS PASS THRILLSEURO RALLY CROSS • CHASE PELLETIER’S FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES • GRASS PASS THRILLS

FORSPEED?BORN

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ALL ABOUT CHASE • Began his own “Keep Your Diabetes On Track” workshop when he was 12, visiting hospitals to inspire other children living with diabetes • Recognized by Canadian Diabetes Association – awarded the 2011 CDA Inspiration Award • Keynote speaker at the 2013 Options for Diabetes Conference for Health Care Professionals – Kingston, ON presented at 6 international Children With Diabetes conferences between 2009 and 2015 • Inspired the Karate Chops Diabetes fundraiser hosted by his dojo – the Academy of Matial Arts raising over $125,000 to date on the way to a goal of $250,000 • Obtained his Black Belt in Goju Karate at age 16 (training since the age of 4). Lead a group of 82 martial artists in setting a Guiness World Record for the largest kata • Lead a track walk with Charlie Kimball at Mid-Ohio to raise awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Assocation • Organized and lead a track walk fundraiser for JDRF Canada at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park • In 2015, integrated his Racing Simulator into his onsite events in the diabetes community, allowing participants to Race Toward A Cure • Currently a 3rd year, Automotive Engineering Student at UOIT (University of Ontario Institute of Technology)

http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/personal_experience/article/200114/Racing-Towards-a-Curehttps://www.diabeteshealth.com/chase-pelletier-competitive-kart-racer/

Ralph Howard Hansen President and CEO Pegasus Marketing Group 1025 West Everett Road, Suite 5 Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 Rhansen@pegasusmarketing.com www.pegasusmarketing.com OFFICE: 847.234.9270 MOBILE: 847.624.3500

WHO TO CONTACT:

Dave Pelletier Dave.Pelletier63@gmail ChasePelletier.com PHONE:416.722.1241

Chase Pelletier C.Pelletier.HVM@gmail.com ChasePelletier.comPHONE:416.722.1241