By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
In what is likely his final Daytona 500, David Ragan earned his best career finish in ‘The Great American Race.’
Ragan’s No. 36 Select Blinds Ford Mustang was one of many swept up in the multi-car melee with 16 laps to go at Daytona International Speedway. The damage to his Front Row Motorsports with Rick Ware machine was significant, but not race-ending.
Ragan lined back up and picked his way through the remaining cars at Daytona International Speedway. On the final NASCAR Cup Series Overtime attempt, Ragan pushed Chris Buescher forward.
The duo passed Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and others. Coming to the checkered flag, the Unadilla, GA native narrowed avoided a horrific accident that involved fellow Ford Performance drivers Ryan Newman and Corey LaJoie. Ragan crossed the line in fourth, his best finish in the Daytona 500 since 2007.
“That was the ugliest fourth place finish I have ever had,” admitted Ragan. “I wasn’t disciplined enough in my strategy there with about 15 to go. I felt like things were getting a little hairy and we were 16th or 18th and that is no man’s land here at Daytona.
“I keyed the radio up going down the back straightaway and said I was going to back off a little. That is when they wrecked. I was pretty mad at myself for not seeing that earlier and getting that damage. Our Front Row Motorsports team with Rick Ware did a good job getting it fixed up. Those last few laps were exciting.”
For much of the rain-postponed Daytona 500, Ragan found himself mired in ‘no man’s land.’ Stuck mid-pack, or just outside of the lead pack, he circulated until he was finally swept up in ‘the big one’ late in the race.
Ragan announced his retirement from full-time competition following the end of the 2019 season. Going forward, he will compete part-time with races to be announced. Ragan will also act as a test driver of the Next Gen Ford NASCAR Cup Series racecar currently in development.