David Ragan Daytona 500 Comeback: RFK Racing has announced its decision to reintroduce the long-dormant No. 60 car, set to be driven by David Ragan in the upcoming 2024 Daytona 500. This return marks the first appearance of the number in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2011.
Confirming their expansion to a third car for the NASCAR Cup Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, RFK Racing is preparing to field the No. 60 Ford, allowing David Ragan to take the wheel for the prestigious “Great American Race.” Ragan, whose remarkable 17-year run in the Cup Series, including 16 consecutive appearances at the Daytona 500, paused in 2023, is poised to qualify through either the single-car qualifying session or the Bluegreen Vacations Duels.
Should the 37-year-old native of Unadilla, Georgia secure his spot in the 200-lap spectacle on the renowned Daytona Beach, Florida oval, it will signify a significant resurgence for the No. 60 car, which has been absent from Cup Series action since 2011.
The last driver to pilot a No. 60 car in the NASCAR Cup Series was Mike Skinner. Throughout the series’ history, there have been only 352 instances of a No. 60 car being entered, with its sole victory dating back to 1950 when Bill Rexford triumphed at Canfield Speedway.
Notably, the No. 60 was last fielded in 2011 by Germain Racing, where Mike Skinner drove it at Atlanta Motor Speedway in September. Subsequently, the number made a brief appearance in the garage at Kansas Speedway that October, failing to qualify.
Interestingly, the No. 60 holds significance as a former RFK Racing (previously Roush Racing) number that had seen use in the Xfinity Series but never made it to the Cup Series. Although initiated in 1998 for Cup Series competition, the No. 60 Ford faced setbacks when Matt Kenseth failed to qualify at Talladega Superspeedway. Kenseth returned in 1999 on a part-time basis, eventually transitioning to the renumbered No. 17 car.
Subsequently, from 2000 to 2012, Kenseth took the reins of the No. 17 Ford full-time, clinching the championship in 2003 and winning the Daytona 500 in 2009 and 2012. Following Kenseth’s tenure, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. piloted the No. 17 from 2013 to 2019, succeeded by Chris Buescher in 2020.
Buescher’s commendable performance in 2023, securing three victories and reaching the round of 8, signaled a resurgence for the team.
The 66th edition of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 18. Qualifying events, including single-car qualifying on Wednesday, February 14, and the Bluegreen Vacations Duels on Thursday, February 15, will precede the prestigious race.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is David Ragan racing in the Daytona 500?
In 2022, 15 made a valiant attempt at the Daytona 500 and finished in 8th place, marking his fourth top-10 finish at the event. Fast forward to November 29, 2023, and RFK Racing has announced that 15 will be driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse as part of their #Stage60 project at the 2024 Daytona 500. The ride will be sponsored by BuildSubmarines.com. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting race!
How many Nascar drivers have won back to back Daytona 500?
Only four drivers have achieved the feat of winning back-to-back Daytona 500s. Petty, Yarborough, Marlin, and Hamlin are the elite group of drivers who have accomplished this feat. Marlin is the only driver who won his second Daytona 500 the year after winning his first. This makes his achievement even more impressive.
How many races did David Ragan win?
Over the course of 11 years and 107 races, he has secured 3 poles and an impressive 49 top-10 finishes, in addition to winning two races at the Cup Series level. These victories were earned at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona in 2011 and the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway in 2013. His track record speaks for itself, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport.
Who won the 1963 Daytona 500?
Tiny Lund emerged victorious in the 1963 Daytona 500, the fifth edition of the race held on February 24th. The skilled driver piloted a 1963 Ford to the finish line, securing his place in racing history.
