After the 2019 NASCAR season, David Ragan no longer plans to be a full-time driver in the sport.
The driver and team Front Row Motorsports announced Wednesday (Aug. 14) that Ragan is stepping back from running full time after the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
“I’ve prayed and heavily considered this decision, but for myself and my family, I believe this is the right thing to do,” Ragan said in a team release. “I am a husband and a father to two young girls first, and I am a driver second. To compete in what I consider the greatest series in the world, you need full dedication of your time and focus. My children are growing up quickly, and I want to concentrate my time in being the best father and husband I can be. I feel this is where God is leading my life, and therefore I’m making this decision.”
Ragan has competed in multiple seasons for FRR, most recently in the three-car organization’s No. 38. He scored the team its first Cup win in 2013 at Talladega Superspeedway while driving its No. 34.
Before then, Ragan largely competed with Roush Fenway Racing (with whom he won his first Cup race) and also drove for BK Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing before returning to FRR in 2017.
In 2019, Ragan is 30th in points with an average finish of 26th.
He did not specify any plans for 2020 on a part-time basis.
FRR confirmed that it is currently evaluating candidates to replace Ragan for 2020. The organization also fields cars for Michael McDowell and Matt Tifft in the Cup Series in 2019.
About the author
Rutherford is the managing editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2015 after serving on the editing staff for two years. At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
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One of the true gentlemen and just good guys in the sport. I hope he gets a solid part-time ride with someone and he could really be a “super sub” for teams that need a proven and known quantity. Excellent with sponsors and in the Petty mode in working with fans.
The Noble and Brother Ragan’s best years are to come.
well said.
Agree 100%.
Most definitely.
Super speedway demon