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October 27, 2006
David Ragan Trying To Earn Some Respect
By Mark Young
This is just a quicky but something that made feel the need to write. I read in a couple of places tonight that David Ragan, who caused a fairly large wreck at Martinsville last week that took out Schrader and Stewart, bought his chance to talk to Tony about it. It seems that he was the winning bidder in a charity auction that allowed the winner to ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway with Tony Stewart.
Not only did the 20 year old rookie of NEXTEL Cup buy the opportunity, he spent over $5,000 to do it. He mentioned that it would give him a chance to talk to Tony about the incident and ask him what he could have done differently. I tell you what, I don't know doodly squat about this kid but he has earned my respect....for now. It takes some big kahunas to pay to talk to someone about something that they know they did wrong. I don't know if this is unprecidented but it is something that I have never seen in my days as a fan and am sure it will carry a lot of clout in the garage area. Here is the link to the complete article from the Atlanta Motor Speedway. http://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/media/pit_notes/513811.html
Tell me what you think.
October 27, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
Tony Stewart is probably the best pure racer in the series. However using his lack of judgement in the past, he is not always the person that practice what he preaches. He has two teamates that I feel would be better to draw advice from, Kennseth and Martin. If I need financial advice, i'm not going to talk to the guy down the street who just filed bankruptcy.
Posted by: jeff | Oct 27, 2006 11:07:04 PM
I read that also and thought it was really cool.David is a fine young man from a very good family.I think,with time,we will see how good a racer he is.
Posted by: Short Lady | Oct 28, 2006 7:27:32 AM
Mark, I saw that on Speed Channel last night. I would have never thought of doing such. Ragan said he has never talked with Stewart before, and this will give him a chance to get his "ideas." (Hope the family members understand not getting Christmas presents this year!)
Like I posted on another blog, everyone has to remember Dale Jr's first Cup race at Martinsville. He hit everything on the track, including the pace car - or ambulance - did anyone correct me? And Dale even told his spotter to "get him off the track."
David Ragan is from a racing family, and seems to respect the other drivers on the track. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of David Ragan, and I'm looking forward to the ride!
Mark, thank you for giving David Ragan some respect!
Posted by: Shirley | Oct 28, 2006 8:31:37 AM
I sure have alot more respect for the kid now.
Posted by: Melissa | Oct 28, 2006 10:48:04 AM
What his cell was broken? Don't drivers make the courtesy calls on Monday anymore? Which, btw, is exactly what I think happened. I think the donation came about as a way to make amends more than an opportunity to give an explanation. But, charity is charity, so I guess it didn't hurt. It does seem like kind of a waste to give a driver a lap around the track, but maybe Tony thought he needed pointers. He wont earn any respect on the track by buying into charities. He can only do that on the track.
LOL, there were no Pizza/Donut charities in town?
Posted by: Keith | Oct 28, 2006 11:11:43 AM
Hey Mark,
That was a good story that I missed. I enjoy rooting for the underdawg. He and Gilligan will need all the support they can get. Give'm 4 fresh tires and get them back out there!
Posted by: Larry | Oct 28, 2006 3:44:28 PM
I will never forget,Schrader standing beside his wrecked car,holding a piece of
tubing.
His thought of helping to clean the track,and going home early,instead of having to stay late and visit the "Boy's"
in the trailer,and then send them some money was sound judgement.You couldn't blame him,cause the rookie,took him out of his best run, in a long time. of his career.
Yup Ragan should have called.But he will learn.
Posted by: trucker | Oct 28, 2006 5:47:35 PM
I hope I am 100% wrong, but I think this driver could end up being another Casey. Please prove me wrong.
Posted by: 328 | Oct 30, 2006 8:19:29 AM
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