David Ragan No. 55 Aaron’s Indy Preview/ Video of More World Record Attempts

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David Ragan has some advice for fans thinking about going to Sunday’s 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Get your tickets in Turn 1 or Turn 3,” said the driver of the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine. “That’s where the action is. Everyone is going to be dive-bombing and making last second moves going into those turns with these new rules.”

The 2011 Indy pole-sitter is referring to NASCAR’s new mandated aerodynamic rules package for the Brickyard that adds more drag to the cars. The changes should lead to more passing and entertainment for spectators.

“It’s going to create a lot of drag. We’re going to be in the throttle a lot. It’s going to change a lot of things like fuel mileage, how often we pit, our strategies and even how we race. A lot of the strategies that worked in past years might not work this weekend.

“It will make passing a little more convenient at times. I don’t know if it will be easier, but these cars will certainly poke a lot bigger hole in the air. You are going to get some big runs on one another. It will be important for the drivers to watch their mirrors and have good spotters.”

The aero package will feature a 9-inch spoiler and 1-inch wicker bill; a rear fascia extension panel similar to that currently used for superspeedway events; a 2-inch leading edge on the splitter; and a 43-inch splitter extension panel.

“I believe track position matters more at Indianapolis than any other track where we race,” Ragan said. “It’s a fun place to race and obviously very challenging. It’s been difficult to pass and pit crews have always been important there.”

The Michael Waltrip Racing driver said success at Indianapolis is every racer’s dream no matter in what series you compete.

“I remember as a kid watching the first race from Indianapolis in ‘94 and how big a deal it was for everyone there and our sport,” said Ragan. “It’s been a pretty decent track for me in my career. I have won a pole and led a lap, but haven’t won there. Everyone wants a trophy from Indianapolis.”

MWR PR

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