DAVID RAGAN – Getting it Done his Way
Michelle Hoskin
@fluent_in_14
Today David Ragan took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us and do a Question and Answer session. David currently drives the No. 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In 2007, he moved the Sprint Cup Series, replacing Mark Martin in the #6, and driving for Roush Fenway Racing (1). Between 2007 and 2011, he has recorded 30 top-tens in the series. On July 2, 2011, Ragan won his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. His second win, the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway in May 2013, was also the first win for Front Row Motorsports.
David Ragan
Questions and Answers
Michelle: At what age did you start racing?
David: “12 years old.” David Ragan began racing in the Bandolero Series in 1997, at 12 years old. Under the guidance of his father, former Winston Cup driver, Ken Ragan, David had years of experience instilled in him before he ever hit the racetrack (2).
Michelle: Any new news on the Front Row Motorsports end?
David: “No, should be announcing everything 1st week of January.”
Michelle: Your thoughts on the new Chase format?
David: “I love it. You have to be a winner or very consistent to get in the chase, and you have to be able to win, and run up front to contend for the Championship. Great format for the teams and fans.” It seems to me that the majority of current racers appreciate the new Chase format…I wonder why most of the fans don’t?
Michelle: Your favorite track to run?
David: “Bristol.” Bristol is also a fan favorite track…Including THIS fan ☺
Michelle: Your least favorite?
David: “Indy. The atmosphere is awesome, but the track is too narrow, and we get to spread out. No good racing.”
Michelle: If you could talk to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
David: “Be more patient, and focus on the small details of everything.”
Michelle: If you weren’t racing, what could you see yourself doing?
David: “Working in racing in some way. Maybe the business side.”
Michelle: How do you relax and unwind after a bad day?
David: “Go home and spend time with my family.” He is married to Jacquelyn; they have one daughter. (3)
David Gilliland and David Ragan
Michelle: I know you have a daughter…if she decided that she wanted to pursue a career in racing like Dad, would you be supportive or would you try to deter it?
David: “I would prefer she do something else…But, if she really wanted to race I would help anyway I could.”
Michelle: What charities/organization do you support?
David: “Shriners Hospital for Children, LuMind Foundation.” See external link below for details on the Shriners Hospital and the LuMind Foundation.…
Michelle: I know God plays a huge role in your life…that is wonderful. Do you feel that not enough people acknowledge their religious beliefs in this day and age?
David: “I think too many people try to be politically correct. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you should be able to speak openly about it. Today it seems what is morally wrong seems to be ok, because no one wants to be held accountable…” Very wise words…
David Ragan, #34
Michelle: Your thoughts on any of the NASCAR rule changes for 2015?
David: “We will have to wait and see. Everyone wants better racing, and a little slower speeds, and tires that wear out quicker… We just can’t decide on how to get there.”
Michelle: If you could thank anyone for something right now that you may have missed the chance to do, who would it be and why?
David: “I feel like I have thanked everyone pretty much…”
Michelle: Your favorite driver while growing up?
David: “Dale Jarrett and Bill Elliott. One drove for Robert Yates racing, and the other was from GA.”
Michelle: What is one piece of advice you would give to a kid starting out in the racing field?
David: “Stay focused, work hard, understand how to market yourself, and never give up.”
Michelle: Hobbies you like to do that we may not know about?
David: “Hunting, restoring old cars, short track racing.”
Michelle: A random unknown fact about yourself…!
David: “I own some miniature donkeys…” I wonder if he races them?
External Links and References
Follow David on Twitter – @DavidRagan
Follow David on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DavidRaganPage
http://www.davidragan.com/news_article.cfm/i/500
(1) Roush Fenway Racing – David Ragan Bio”. Roushracing.com. 1985-12-24. Retrieved 12/23/2014.
(2) http://www.davidragan.com/biography.cfm. Retrieved 12/23/14.
(3) “Ragan family welcomes baby girl”. NASCAR. June 12, 2014. Retrieved 12/23/14, 2014.
