Ragan's sophomore success shouldn't be a surprise

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.18.2008 David Ragan is right there, a 22-year-old hanging in with the big boys. Some are surprised that he is already fighting for a spot in the Chase for the championship, but Ragan is a second-generation NASCAR driver who finished as runner-up for Rookie of the Year in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and won rookie honors in Nationwide last year. While enjoying the last free weekend of the Cup season, and with only seven races remaining until the 10-race Chase begins, Ragan is just 98 points behind Denny Hamlin, holding down the 12th and final spot eligible for the stock car postseason. With three top-fives and six top-10s in the first 19 races, Ragan, who replaced longtime Roush star Mark Martin in the No. 6 Ford, has already surpassed his totals of two top-fives and three top-10s of last year,... [read full story]