David Ragan to retire from full-time NASCAR competition

David Ragan will step out of full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of this season.

The 33-year-old from Unadilla, Georgia has competed for Front Row Motorsports since 2017 and competed for the team from 2012-14. His decision weighed on personal reasons and didn't rule out racing part-time in the future.

"I've prayed and heavily considered this decision, but for myself and my family, I believe this is the right thing to do. I am a husband and a father to two young girls first, and I am a driver second," he said. "To compete in what I consider the greatest series in the world, you need full dedication of your time and focus. My children are growing up quickly, and I want to concentrate my time in being the best father and husband I can be. I feel this is where God is leading my life, and therefore I'm making this decision.

"There aren't enough words to thank everyone who has helped me in my career and to all the fans who have supported me in this journey. It's not over, but I'm ready to spend more time at home."

Ragan has made 457 career starts heading into this weekend's round at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

He moved up to NASCAR's top level with Jack Roush's team in 2007  and raced there until the 2011 season. He scored his first series win at Daytona's July race the same year.

He moved to Front Row the following year and logged the team's maiden NASCAR win in 2013 at Talladega with a late push from teammate David Gilliland.

"We admire David for making what I'm sure was a very difficult decision," commented team owner Bob Jenkins. We also commend him for his reason. David has always put family first, and as a father, I understand what it's like to not be at that game or big event for your child.

"Throughout his time at Front Row Motorsports, David has always gone beyond what was asked of him- or even volunteering his own time to help grow our team. Now it's time for him to give some of that back to his family and we totally support that. Our doors are always open for David and we'll miss seeing him every week."

He played the role of super-sub in 2015 when he filled in for the injured Kyle Busch at Joe Gibbs Racing and Brian Vickers at Michael Waltrip Racing and raced for BK Racing in 2016.