David Ragan And Front Row Motorsports Team Ready For Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Unadilla’s David Ragan started Gatorade Duel No. 1 knowing two things:  His No. 34 Scorpion Truck Bed Liners Ford had a guaranteed starting position in Sunday’s Daytona 500, and the racing at Daytona International Speedway had been dicey so far during Speedweeks.  So he and crew chief Jay Guy entered Thursday’s 60-lap event knowing they weren’t going to be taking any big risks.

Starting in the ninth position, Ragan gradually made his way to the back of the field, where he could stick with the pack but avoid trouble.  The move worked in his favor as he brought his Ford across the finish line in 14th without a scratch and ready to race in Sunday’s main event where he’ll start 25th.

“I learned that guys are still sliding all over the place and driving aggressive. We had a lot more to lose in that race than to gain. If we could have won it that would have been great, but whether you finished third or 10th or 15th there is really no difference except maybe a couple hundred bucks,” said Ragan. “We have our eye on the 500 and we just rode around and played it safe. I am looking forward to getting our race engine in and getting ready for Sunday.”

Ragan’s teammate David Gilliland was not as lucky, getting cuaght up in a crash on lap 9 of the first dual race and will start 33rd in a backup car.