The Hot Pass: UPS, Roush near deal on Ragan
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As FOXSports.com reported earlier, sources have confirmed that the Roush Fenway Racing driver tops UPS' list but there are "additional details that need to be worked out." Also, principals who need to sign off on the deal are currently in Beijing overseeing UPS' Olympic program.
The Sandy Springs, Ga.-based corporation made its debut in NASCAR with Dale Jarrett in 2001 and followed the 1999 Cup champion for his final two seasons in the sport when he left Robert Yates Racing to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing.
They remained with Waltrip following Jarrett's retirement earlier this season, sponsoring David Reutimann until the end of the season.
Ragan, a 22-year-old Unadilla, Ga.-native, is enjoying his second full season on the Cup tour and is currently 14th in the point standings — 89 points outside of the Chase Zone.
"I can deliver the package and get the job done," Ragan joked after Happy Hour on Saturday after posting the eighth fastest lap. "I admire a company like UPS that does a lot for both the fans and the community, very much like AAA. Both sponsors do a lot more than just putting their name on the car."
From a marketing standpoint, UPS signing Ragan makes perfect sense. Not only is he young enough to rebrand the motorsports program with a fresh, hungry racer, but he is also the yin to Fed Ex/Denny Hamlin's yang.
Ragan was thrown in the difficult position of replacing fan favorite Mark Martin at Roush Fenway Racing in 2007. While the early transition was a challenge, Ragan has matured nicely into the role. In 60 career Cup starts, Ragan has posted six top fives and 10 top 10s. Under the direction of crew chief Jimmy Fennig, Ragan has made tremendous strides in the last season. The driver was 25th in points following the 2007 August Michigan race and this year finds himself within striking distance of the top 12.
Ragan's current sponsor, AAA, announced at the beginning of the season that they will not renew their deal with Roush Fenway Racing.
Coleman ready for Cup debut
Brad Coleman is ready for a new beginning, and it kicks off Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
Coleman, who has been driving for Baker Curb Racing in the Nationwide Series this season, has been tabbed to replace J.J. Yeley in the No. 96 Hall of Fame Racing Toyota beginning this weekend. He will start 43rd in his debut Sprint Cup Series race.
The 20-year-old Houston native, who has three top fives, seven top 10s and one pole in 43 starts in Nationwide Series, says his car is "not bad" but the greatest challenge will be adjusting to running 400 miles.
"I'm still getting accustomed to this car on this track," Coleman said. "I tested at Nashville and Kentucky but they're not nearly as big as Michigan. Fortunately, I have 400 miles to get used to it. The good news is I can only go forward."
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