Ragan Predicts More Speed but Same Single Groove at Loudon

STATESVILLE, JULY 8, 2014 – David Ragan, driver of the No. 34 Taco Bell Ford, comments on racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:

“New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a tough racetrack. It’s one of those places where, if you get that sweet set-up where your tires are turning the corners and you’ve got plenty of forward drive, you can really have a lot of fun and race hard. Typically, you get one or two cars that hit that ideal set-up and they kind of run away with it. And everyone else behind them is racing each other pretty hard.

“I’ve had some good runs at New Hampshire before, but I’ve had some tough outings as well. But one thing that stays the same is there are always a lot of great race fans in Loudon. The place is always packed.

“I think we’ll see a lot of speed. I think we’ll see a new track record with this new set-up if the weather cooperates and it’s a fairly cool day. With the lower ride heights, the higher rear spoiler and more downforce, you’re going to be able to get into the corners harder. I think the groove is still going to be the very bottom. But I think it will be interesting to see how it goes at this track for the first time with this new rules package.”

JUST THE FACTS: Ragan has 14 Sprint Cup career starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway … He has one top-10, three top-15 and six top-20 finishes at the 1.058-mile oval … His best finish in Loudon, N.H., is seventh (2011).