Will Rodgers will drive the No. 53 Chevrolet for Big Machine Racing in three upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events as part of the Driving Good Health program and a collaboration with Joey Gase Motorsports. His No. 53 Chevrolet will carry the white, blue, and green colors of Driving Good Health throughout the three events, which will begin at Phoenix Raceway on October 17, followed by Talladega Superspeedway on October 24 and Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 7.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Big Machine Racing and represent Driving Good Health over these three races,” said Rodgers. “Racing has given me a platform to pursue my passion while raising awareness for liver health, which is a cause that has shaped my life from an early age. I’m proud to work alongside Boehringer Ingelheim to encourage important conversations about liver health, and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity both on and off the racetrack.”
Rodgers’ connection to liver health advocacy is deeply personal. At age three, the Maui, Hawaii, native was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a progressive liver disease. After years of treatment, he went on to build a professional racing career and establish the Will Rodgers Liver Health Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit promotes liver-disease awareness, testing, and connections to care. The foundation will be featured on Rodgers’ racecar as part of the Driving Good Health partnership.
“Driving Good Health was created to make liver-health education more accessible and to bring these important conversations to new audiences,” said Robert Fukui, Executive Director for the Will Rodgers Liver Health Foundation. “Through our collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, this program to increase awareness, help people better understand their risk factors for liver disease, and encourage them to speak with their healthcare providers about their liver health.”
More than 13 million Americans are living with MASH, which can lead to inflammation and potential damage, such as scarring. MASH is considered the more severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. MASH can often go undiagnosed, but with early detection and lifestyle interventions, it’s possible to slow or even reverse MASH progression.
The Will Rodgers Liver Health Foundation, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim, is bringing Driving Good Health fan zone activations directly to NASCAR fans and communities across the country to increase awareness of MASLD and MASH, improve access to education and connect participants with appropriate healthcare resources. Participants may also have access to a non-invasive FibroScan liver assessment on site provided by Echosens at no cost.
“We are proud to partner with Will Rodgers and the Driving Good Health campaign to underscore the urgent need for more people to learn about MASH so anyone at risk, such as those with obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, can seek appropriate screening,” said Sylvia Shubert, Senior Vice President, Obesity & Liver Health Franchise, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to making a meaningful impact for people affected by metabolic diseases including MASH, and this collaboration is a powerful opportunity to educate people about this disease and the importance of screening.”
Rodgers, 32, has made 12 previous starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series dating back to 2019. His appearances include races at Watkins Glen International and Sonoma Raceway earlier this season. His best series finish to date is 12th at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August 2019.
— Driving Good Health —