David Ragan

Birthday: Dec. 24, 1985
Hometown: Unadilla, Ga.

YEAR-BY-YEAR CUP SERIES RECAP

2008 -- Finished 13th in series points. ... Generally acknowledged as the most improved driver of 2008. ... Challenged for a berth in the Chase. ... Significantly improved year-end Driver Rating -- 81.8 compared to 56.1 in 2007.

2007 -- Finished 23rd in series points. ... Was runner-up for rookie of the year award. ... Finished fifth in Daytona 500, one of two top-five finishes for the year. ... Finished career-best third at Richmond in September. ... Had three top-10s. ... Was top-finishing rookie in 14 races.

2006 -- Finished 61st in series points. ... Competed in two Cup Series events, finishing 42nd at Dover (September) and 25th at Martinsville (October).

PREVIOUS RACING HISTORY

Competed full time in both Cup Series and Busch Series in 2007. ... Finished fifth in 2007 Busch Series points and named rookie of the year.... Earned two poles -- Texas (April) and Homestead. ... Competed in 19 races in 2006 Truck Series season. Finished 24th in the standings with one top-five and eight top-10 finishes. ... Earned pole at Indianapolis in 21st career Truck Series start. ... Competed in 28 ARCA Series races with a victory at Lanier National Speedway in 2005. ... Started 10 Truck Series starts for Fiddleback Racing in 2004. ... Began competing in bandolero cars at age 11 and won national championship in 2002.

NOTEWORTHY

Secured Truck Series ride through 2005 Roush "Gong Show" competition. ... Replaced Mark Martin in No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. ... Son of retired Cup Series driver Ken Ragan.