Ragan riding wave of momentum into Stater Bros. 300
By Amanda Brahler - Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
Friday, February 22, 2008
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Jason Smith / Getty Images
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: David Ragan, driver of the #6 Discount Tire Ford, sits in his car during practice for the Camping World 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2008 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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David Ragan knows he has replaced a legend, but the challenge doesn’t intimidate him. Now in his second season in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, Ragan is ready to emulate Mark Martin right into victory lane.
A year removed from being known as “Mark Martin’s replacement” in the Sprint Cup Series, Ragan is looking to stand out on his own. Only 22, Ragan is making progress. He claimed the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of The Year in the Nationwide Series and finished fifth in the points standings.
Ragan’s successful debut in NASCAR’s No. 2 series, however, was overshadowed by Roush Fenway Racing teammate Carl Edwards’ dominating championship run. Edwards is returning to defend his title, and Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer is expected to be his main competition. Ragan, though, has other ideas.
“We can sneak up on them and catch them when they least expect it,” Ragan said. “They should be the favorites. They’ve been in it longer than anyone, they’ve had the best racecars and the best teams to work with the last three or four years. I think we can contend. That’s what is going to make this year a lot of fun.”
Ragan finished ninth in last week’s opener at Daytona and brings momentum to Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at California Speedway, a track Roush Fenway has dominated. Roush drivers have won six of the past eight Nationwide races at the 2-mile track, including the past four spring races.
“Last year we left Daytona 43rd in points, and we were needing a good run at California,” said Ragan who responded with a 10th-place finish. “It will be a lot better going to California this year because we had such a good run last week. Even though the tracks are completely different, it’s always good to take a good run with you.”
It’s also good to know that your team’s cars run well at the track. Greg Biffle has three Nationwide wins at Fontana, and Matt Kenseth won last year’s race (he also won three Nationwide races at California before joining Roush). Edwards won in September 2005. Biffle and Kenseth are not racing Saturday, leaving Edwards, Ragan and Jamie McMurray to represent Roush.
“It’s a little pressure coming in because our cars always run so well in California,” Ragan said. “But we also have a good setup, a good engine package and a good program all around. That makes my job a little easier.
“(Crew chief) Mike Kelley and the guys know we are coming out here with a good car and to run the best we can. It’s good to know that there is some help on the racing side to make it easier for me.”
Fast facts
What: Stater Brothers 300
Where: California Speedway; Fontana.
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday.
TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET.
Radio: MRN/Sirius Satellite Ch. 128.
Track layout: 2-mile oval.
Race distance: 300 miles/150 laps.
2007 winner: Matt Kenseth.
2007 polesitter: Dave Blaney.
Points leaders: 1. Tony Stewart, 190; 2. Kyle Busch, 180; 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 165; 4. Brian Vickers, 165; 5. Matt Kenseth, 155; 6. Bryan Clauson, 150; 7. Denny Hamlin, 147; 8. Greg Biffle, 146; 9. David Ragan, 143; 10. Carl Edwards, 135.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- David Ragan
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