Sprint Cup driver David Ragan hopes to get into the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race, but he will have to drive like a mad man in the Sprint Cup Showdown to earn a spot.
"The Showdown pays no points, so with nothing to lose and everything to gain we’re going to give it our all and go for it," Ragan said.
Ragan has participated in the Showdown three times, and his best finish was in 2008, when he finished third, just missing out of qualifying for the All-Star Race.
Success may have eluded Ragan in the Showdown, but he and his team plan to use the track time to their advantage for the upcoming Coke 600.
"We’re excited and looking forward to running the Showdown this weekend," said Donnie Wingo, Ragan’s crew chief. "You would think that just being in the Showdown and no points on the line that there wouldn’t be as much pressure, but there’s as much as any race, because the whole weekend is about getting into the main race. But it’s good practice for the Coke 600, and we’ll try some different setups and get a good direction for next weekend."
The Showdown is May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The All-Star Race follows at 9 p.m. And the Coca-Cola 500 is May 30 at 5:45 p.m.
Here is the complete 2010 Sprint Cup schedule.
