And our #NameMyAxis winner is...

Congrats to Britany Kirshman Speas, the grand prize winner of the #NameMyAxis contest! Her boat name entry, "Open Wheel Escape," was selected last week as a semi-finalist for my new Axis A24, and with 62% of the fan votes, she is now the grand prize winner!

Thanks to the fans who submitted more than 100 entries, and thanks to the 250-plus fans who voted for the finalists! I appreciate the support and hope you enjoyed the contest. More fun to come this season!

#ThrowbackThursday - birthday edition

I didn't strain too hard this #ThrowbackThursday... just throwin' it back to the 2013 Indianapolis 500! And since today is my birthday, I can take it easy, right?! Thanks for all of the messages on Twitter and Facebook. I appreciate it! Any advice as I enter the last year of my 20s? I think 29 is a good age to kiss the bricks!

May 26, 2013

Holiday greetings from Charlie!

"Who are you wearing?" and much more from 2013

Celebrate with us via IndyCar.com!

I can't thank the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Team enough for everything they've done this year to make it a successful season--from our ten top-10s, to strong qualifying sessions, to our first IndyCar race win. Let's keep celebrating the 2013 IndyCar season, and of course the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Team's championship! The 2013 INDYCAR Championship Celebration will be streamed live on IndyCar.com and the INDYCAR 13 mobile app on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Click here for more information.

When I win, you win too!

Maybe I'm biased, but I'm pretty sure I have the best fans out there! I'm continually humbled and honored by the support I receive, from IndyCar fans and from within the diabetes community, at the race track and beyond. Whenever I can, I try to give back even in small ways. So, to celebrate my first IndyCar win I recently gave away a signed No. 83 hat to a fan on my race updates email list. Want to be the next one to win? Sign up for race updates today at CharlieKimball.com!

Sign up to win: CharlieKimball.com!

Read all about it!

There I was, having my morning coffee, flipping through the newspaper, and I came upon this:

Page 5A of USA Today

So cool! It's not every day you have a full-page ad in USA Today! Major thanks to my friends at Novo Nordisk... I'm stoked they are as excited for my first IndyCar win (especially while representing the diabetes community as a driver with type 1) as I am! I couldn't ask for better partners.

I'm honored to see so much media coverage on the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing team's win, too.

USA Today: Charlie Kimball gets breakthrough win at Mid-Ohio

The Globe and Mail: Smart strategy delivers first IndyCar win for Charlie Kimball

ESPN via AP: Charlie Kimball gets 1st IndyCar win

SPEEDtv.com: Kimball Follows In Branson’s Footsteps

Indianapolis Star: Charlie Kimball wins 1st IndyCar race with victory at Mid-Ohio

28... Another year older

Yes, today is my 28th birthday. I'm another year older... and hopefully wiser! I always like to take this day to reflect on the opportunities that have come my way and the people that have helped mold me into the person I am today. My mom always says that time is measured in events. So, I put together some photos (28 photos to be exact) of some of my favorite racing memories.

As always, thanks for your support and enjoy!

24 hours of new experiences and victory!

I just keep shaking my head and thinking, wow--did that really happen this weekend?! And of course,  I keep checking the time on my new Rolex!

For the Ganassi group to be able get together with different cars, different drivers, all different walks of life and yet all from one team... We do our job in the car and in the pits, and to come away with a win is just overwhelming. Having Scott, Memos and Juan as teammates took a lot of pressure off my shoulders because I knew that I could settle in, and as long as I was smart and didn't make too many big mistakes and kept us in the race they'd put us in a position to win at the end. Overall what an incredible race! With about four hours to go, I looked up and thought, we have the whole Indy 500 left to run as far as time. It's hard on everybody--mechanics, team, drivers--but it's such an awesome event and such a great race, and just to be a part of it with these guys and learn from these guys was really special. I think it'll help me not only in this side with the roof but also without a roof later this year.

I have to thank Chip and the whole Ganassi Racing team for the opportunity to participate this weekend. A big congrats to CGR for their fifth Rolex 24 win, Scott for his record-tying fifth win at Daytona, and Memos and Juan for their third Rolex watches!

Now, it's time for me to put my focus back on the 2013 IndyCar season and work toward my first IndyCar win!

Happy holidays!

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you all for your support and well-wishes this year! I truly appreciate the IndyCar fans--without you all, I wouldn't be able to live my dreams. 2012 was a year of ups and downs... my first IndyCar podium finish, leading laps at the Indianapolis 500, and of course a small injury. Through it all, you guys have been so great to me!

Happy holidays to you and your family! Wishing you joy, peace, and happiness. See you in 2013!

P.S. Enjoy this #TheOffSeason piece... the first in a series of videos giving you a look into our lives during the winter.

An honor and an opportunity to give back

I'm excited to announce that I was recently recognized as a finalist for the Indy Family Foundation's Giving Back Award Presented by Firestone! I was one of five finalists, nominated for my work in the diabetes community, who will receive $500 to donate to the charity of my choice. Congrats to Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing who won the overall award, announced at the INDYCAR championship banquet.

Now on to the best part... I will be donating my $500 to Camp John Warvel, an American Diabetes Association residential camp for children and teens located here in Indiana! The donation will help fund a child's camp fee for a week of fun with other kids who also happen to have diabetes. Throughout the past few years, I've visited several camps for children with diabetes. I've seen first-hand how much it means for the families to have an outlet for the kids to learn how to manage their diabetes independently, while giving parents the assurance that they are being properly taken care of with medical supervision and dietary staff. And of course, it's summer camp... so there are tons of fun activities for the kids! Believe me, every time I go to meet the kids, I want to stay!

It's such an honor for me because it comes from people who I respect--the IndyCar family--and a group of people who work hard to help those in need within IndyCar. I have to thank Firestone for their commitment to every aspect of the sport, supporting us on track and off track. I also have to thank Novo Nordisk for giving me the platform and resources to have a voice in the diabetes community.

Again, I'm humbled to receive this honor and I look forward to doing more to give back! Be sure to follow @IndyFamilyFnd on Twitter, and click here to learn how to make a contribution toward Camp Warvel.

Giving back, and a surprise honor!

Happy Friday! My week is definitely ending on a high note. Yesterday morning I spent some time at the INDYCAR office filming some videos you'll see later this off-season. In the afternoon, I went to Gleaners Food Bank here in Indy to do some volunteer work for INDYCAR's Day of Caring. Indy is my adopted home now and I always enjoy giving back whenever I can.

Last night the INDYCAR community came together to celebrate the 2012 season and Ryan Hunter-Reay's championship. I was just looking forward to seeing friends and competitors from the paddock, so I was extremely surprised to receive the Tony Renna Rising Star Award! It's truly a special honor for me to recognized like this, and I'll be working as hard as ever in 2013 to live up to the award!

Photo credit: @RACERmag

First Fan of the Week!

Wow--I've been so excited to see all of YOUR photos posted on my Facebook wall for the first-ever "CK's Fan of the Week" contest! We had more than 50 pics posted this week... so cool! Thanks to everyone who has participated this first week.

And the big moment... our first "Fan of the Week" photo is from Frank Wisneski! Congrats, Frank!

Head on over to my Facebook page to see his photo posted as my profile pic, and don't forget--you can keep submitting your photos to win next week (details here)!

Share your photos and become Fan of the Week!

One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting our incredible IndyCar fans. Veteran fans, new fans, fans with type 1 diabetes like me... all of you help make IndyCar the best racing series in the world! To thank you for your support this past season, I'll be honoring you on my Facebook page all month long.

To become "CK's Fan of the Week," just post your IndyCar-related photo on my Facebook wall. Acceptable photos include a photo of you and me at the track, a pic of your son/daughter wearing No. 83 gear, a shot of the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen showcar, or whatever photo you have to show your support for IndyCar! Each Friday, I'll randomly pick one and change my own Facebook profile pic to your photo! Winners will receive a personalized, signed item.

So, what are you waiting for?! Dig out those photos and start posting! Some of my favorite photos from 2012 are on my website here. Can't wait to see your pics!

Tweet and win!

Toronto was a ton of fun--and to thank you for your support, I want you to come join me at a race!

I'm giving away two INDYCAR race credentials (which get you major behind-the-scenes access into the pits and garage!) to the winner, for the race weekend of his/her choice at Sonoma, Baltimore or Fontana. In addition to the credentials, you'll also be my special guest for the weekend at the Novo Nordisk FlexPen Tunnel.

Want to win?! It's easy!

1. Follow me on Twitter at @racewithinsulin.
2. Since we have a string of street courses/circuits coming up on the IndyCar schedule, reply to @racewithinsulin with your favorite road/street course.
3. Use the hashtag #TakeThePledge83 and check out racewithinsulin.com to Take the Pledge and win!

I'll randomly pick the winner before I head to Edmonton on Wednesday, July 18. Good luck!

A different kind of podium finish

I just got home from a great day trip to Washington, D.C. And, unlike most of my recent travel, this trip did not involve time in a race car. Instead, I was one of 18 national recipients of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service.

It was an absolute honor to receive the Jefferson Award as recognition for my work with Novo Nordisk in the diabetes community. To be included in such an inspirational group of people is truly special! I am very blessed to be able to do what I love and at the same time inspire people to overcome obstacles and live their dreams. I really have to thank my parents for their guidance from day one, and Novo Nordisk for allowing me to live my dream and inspire others.

You can read more about the award here. Now it's time for me to get back to work in the race car and use this experience as motivation for a good result in Iowa!

Friday greetings, congrats and updates!

Happy Friday!

The big news of the day... congrats to Ambre Morley on her promotion at Novo Nordisk--extremely well-deserved! Ambre has been a major leader and advocate for our partnership program from day one, and I can't thank her enough for lending her expertise, time and support!

After a busy week out on the West coast (you know, the Best coast), I'm laying low for a few days and resting up for Brazil. I stopped by the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing shop on Wednesday to pack up all of my gear for the shipment to Sao Paulo--triple-checked the list, don't worry. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with some elementary school kids at IMS for the 500 Festival Education Program. Hopefully they learned a bit about IndyCar and will come back to see us in May!

The always-popular question: What if you need to go to the bathroom while in the car?!

At least one in January

Since I haven't blogged since mid December, I thought I should blog in January. And, well, as tomorrow is already February (?!?!), this is my last chance!

Things are really busy. I am back based in Indy after some really nice down time for the holidays. The Christmas/ New Year's period is always crazy, but really good to see all my family and friends that congregate back at home. I also got some time in the mountains with my best friend. We got a couple of days of snowboarding and some chill time by the fireplace (so many meanings since the power was out for a day!). Then it was off to Miami for the Orange Bowl. I had gotten tickets as a Christmas present to go see Stanford take on Virginia Tech. What an experience! It was amazing seeing all the Cardinal faithful from across the country cheering for victory. And I know that I didn't go to Stanford, but with my family's legacy and my acceptance, I still claim it.

After the game, I spent a couple of days in Orlando enjoying the magic of Disney. I realize that most of Disney stuff is for kids, but I was totally blown away, again, by the quality of everything at Disney World. I had never been to the Animal Kingdom and after a day there, I wanted to go back again! It was spectacular. A really creative way to display the animals and yet give them the room to roam in a very natural habitat. Plus the rides are very cool. The Everest train ride was awesome and the Dinosaur ride really caught me by surprise. All in all, I really enjoyed myself and would go back in a heartbeat.

And then it was time to head from the warm Florida sun to the cold and snow of Indianapolis. It was nice to be back in Indy though. I have been working really hard in the gym to get ready for the season. I have also been spending a fair bit of time at the race shop with my team. I have been continually impressed with the caliber of people involved and I can't wait to drive the car for the first time! The car is now being painted, prepped and when it gets back to the shop it will be full speed ahead before the first test, hopefully soon.

And if that wasn't enough, I moved house this last weekend. With the help of James Hinchcliffe, Philip Major and Stefan Wilson, we got all the stuff moved on Saturday. Moved however, does not mean 'moved in'. There are still stacks of boxes around and lots of settling in left to do. I haven't gotten my office set up yet, so I am writing this on the dining table. But having Internet and a dining table is a success in my mind!

Finally, I want to congratulate all of my teammates at Chip Ganassi Racing, Chip, Mike, Timmy and all the crew on the Grand-Am Rolex Daytona Prototype cars. They finished the Rolex 24 hour race first and second separated by a mere 2 seconds after a full 24 hours of competition! With that win, Chip has won the Daytona 500, the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, the IZOD IndyCar Championship and the Rolex 24 Hour, all in 12 months. It's a great start to a promising 2011!

Chip Ganassi Racing and Novo Nordisk Team Up for 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series Season

Yes, you heard that right! For those that missed it, here is the press release from today regarding the 2011 Season!

Chip Ganassi Racing and Novo Nordisk Team Up for 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series Season

New Team to Feature Driving Talents of Rising American Indy Car Pilot Charlie Kimball

INDIANAPOLIS (December 16, 2010) – Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGR) today announced the formation of Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, featuring rising American Indy car driver Charlie Kimball. Ganassi’s IZOD IndyCar Series stable continues to expand with the addition of the new team, which will be sponsored by diabetes care world leader Novo Nordisk.

Novo Nordisk has sponsored Kimball since he joined INDYCAR in the 2009 season, and the partnership between Novo Nordisk and CGR makes him the first driver from the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Series to move up the official “Road to Indy” with a full season sponsorship.

The creation of the new team allows Novo Nordisk to continue as Kimball’s primary sponsor, with naming rights to the car, as well as other branding elements. Kimball will also continue to make appearances for Novo Nordisk throughout the country, with the award-winning Race with Insulin™ campaign and other diabetes programs.

Diagnosed with diabetes in 2007, Kimball monitors his blood sugar before, during and after each race, and uses the Novo Nordisk insulin Levemir^® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) and NovoLog^® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) and a pre-filled insulin pen device, called FlexPen® to help manage his diabetes.

Notes of Interest:

About Charlie Kimball: Kimball, 25, began racing go-karts at age nine, and was later accepted into Stanford University and chose to defer admission to follow his dream to become a race car driver. He finished the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Series season in fourth place with five podium (top-three) finishes, including four second-place finishes. Prior to his diabetes diagnosis in 2007, Kimball shattered the European stereotype that “Americans are not fast” by becoming the first American in 11 years to win a British Formula 3 race. He went on to secure two track records and several F3 victories in both Britain and Europe. Kimball has also raced in the Formula 3 Euroseries and the World Series by Renault. With Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing, he will become the first licensed driver with diabetes in the history of INDYCAR to race at the highest level of the series. Follow Kimball and his work with Novo Nordisk on Twitter @racewithinsulin or www.novonordisk-us.com.

About Novo Nordisk: Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 87 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk's business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to social responsibility to employees and customers, environmental soundness and economic success. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 30,000 employees in 81 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk’s B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen andLondon. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO). For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com.

About Diabetes: In the United States one in 13, or 23.6 million people, have diabetes^[i], a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Poorly or untreated diabetes can lead to a long list of health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, blindness, nerve problems and amputations^[ii]. Prescribing information for Levemir^® and NovoLog^® is available by contacting Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 or visiting Levemir-us.com and NovoLog.com.

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams 2010 Recap: Team owner Chip Ganassi had an historic year in 2010. After wrapping up the GRAND-AM Rolex Series Championship, Ganassi claimed his second championship of the season by winning the IZOD IndyCar Series title for the third straight year. In addition, Ganassi became the first owner in history to win what has become known at the Triple Crown of American Racing by winning the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same season. Also, on the weekend of Aug. 6, for the first time in team history Ganassi brought home wins in all three series when Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won the GRAND-AM race in Watkins Glen, Juan Pablo Montoya won the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Watkins Glen and Dario Franchitti won at Mid-Ohio in the IZOD IndyCar Series. In all, Ganassi’s teams shattered a team record with 19 total victories (previously 14) across the three series, and now boast 134 total wins since 1994.

Quote Board:

Charlie Kimball, Driver, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing: “I am honored to join Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and excited to be moving up to the IZOD IndyCar Series. This is a dream come true and I am very proud to work with Novo Nordisk and continue to spread the message that diabetes does not have to slow you down.”

Camille Lee, Vice President of Diabetes Marketing, Novo Nordisk: “We have sponsored Charlie for the past two seasons in the Firestone Indy Lights Series and seen his development not only as a race car driver, but also as a role model to thousands of people with diabetes. We are excited to join Chip and the entire Ganassi organization to ensure Charlie’s success not only on the race track, but also with Novo Nordisk to prove that diabetes does not have get in the way of your dreams.”

Chip Ganassi, Owner, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams: “Many don’t realize this, but we have had a relationship with Charlie for a number of years now. I have been keeping close tabs on him and his successes in racing from afar for a while now – whether he was racing in Formula 3 in Europe, or running in the Firestone Indy Lights Series the past few seasons. We’re excited to have the opportunity to turn this longstanding relationship into a reality with Charlie and Novo Nordisk.”

---

^[i] 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates07.htm.

^[i] National Institute Health of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. National Diabetes Education Pro Web site, http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/FS_AsAm_Eng.pdf. Accessed January 2007.

Kimball Races to Second in front of Home Town Crowd

Charlie Kimball competed this weekend, April 17 and 18, in the Firestone Indy Lights Grand Prix of Long Beach in front of an enthusiastic crowd of sponsors, friends and family. Kimball put on a great show, qualifying third and racing to a second place finish on Sunday. Balancing responsibilities on and off the track kept the young driver busy, but he continued to impress and share his story across southern California.

Kimball’s race weekend began two weeks ago as he joined the IRL team at the Long Beach media day to promote the race. He coached celebrities competing in the Celebrity Pro race, gave Pace Car rides to members of the media and was the featured Indy Lights driver for the Grand Prix weekend. When he finally got into the #26 Levemir® Flexpen® car at the race weekend on Friday morning, Kimball was ready to go to work. He worked with his AFS Racing/ Andretti Autosport team throughout the two free practice sessions, developing the car and sneaking up on race pace. Kimball’s times in the sessions were never outside the top 5.

‘When we first got on track on Friday, we were a ways off with the car set up but my engineer and I went to work. We worked through a lot of changes and produced a very competitive car,’ remarked Kimball of the practice sessions. ‘We chose to play a conservative strategy in practice and now I’m exceptionally well placed for qualifying.’

Qualifying was run under the midday sun through the streets of Long Beach and was marred by two late yellow flags. Kimball started the session on new tires and immediately posted quick times. By the time he had put on his third set of new tires, Kimball was ready to post a blistering time. As he headed towards the final few corners of the circuit, the Camarillo native was preparing to record the pole time. However, yellow flags were out and Kimball reduced his speed to ensure the safety of the stricken car and on-track officials. Because the yellow flags came out so close to the end of the session, the checkered flag was thrown meaning Kimball ended up third on the grid.

‘I’m really disappointed by this session. We had the car and the pace for pole position, but for the third race in a row, we got caught by yellow flags,’ explained Kimball after qualifying. ‘But I love this track for passing – last year, I passed at least 6 cars so I’m sure I can make something happen from third.’

Kimball spent the rest of Saturday and early Sunday morning hosting his many supporters, fans, friends and family at the track and showing them around his racing world.

‘It’s such a great opportunity to be able to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career by hosting them here at Long Beach,’ said the Camarillo, California native. ‘I’m honored that nearly 70 people are here to support me in today’s race!’

As the Indy Lights field headed for the green flag, Kimball made sure he was tucked up close behind pole-sitter James Hinchcliffe. The field poured into Turn one and Kimball maintained his position behind Hinchcliffe, boxing out second place starter JK Vernay. The 25-year-old then held station behind Hinchcliffe, pacing himself as the tires and cars fell off the pace. Two yellow flags and restarts offered Kimball small opportunities to grab the race lead however it wasn’t to be. Kimball crossed the line in touch with the leader but in second position.

‘I’m pleased with second place. I gain championship points on points leader Vernay,’ said Kimball at the podium ceremony. ‘I had the pace there at the end to catch Hinch. I was hoping for lots of yellows or green running the whole way but neither worked out. On the parade lap, I saw of sea of red in my grandstand and I’m glad I could honor my fans with a good result this year.’

Kimball consolidated his second place points position by gaining 5 championship points on leader JK Vernay and extending his lead over third place. His next race will be the Freedom 100 run on the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 27th and 28th. Kimball will fill the time until then appearing for Novo Nordisk at American Diabetes Association Expos in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA as well as a Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference in Raleigh, NC.