Mark Martin has been behind the wheel of the No. 6 car since the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, 1988. Credit: Autostock

Ragan chosen to drive Roush Racing's No. 6

CONCORD, N.C. -- Roush Racing on Wednesday announced that David Ragan will be the full-time driver of the team's No. 6 Ford in 2007. The No. 6 has been the foundation of the Roush Racing stable, dating back to Jack Roush's beginning into NASCAR's premier series in 1988.

"We are very pleased to have David Ragan going into the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion next season," Roush said. "David is a driver with outstanding talent and as a result of his actions he is the young man I selected to fill the seat.

David Ragan

"The No. 6 is obviously a special car to me personally and this organization and we are confident in David's ability to step up and get the job done."

Ragan currently shares the Truck Series' No. 6 Ford F-150 with Mark Martin and also pilots the No. 50 Ford F-150. Ragan started his first career Nextel Cup Series race at Dover three weeks ago. He finished 42nd, the result of a crash.

Martin is leaving Roush Racing after 19 seasons to drive part time for MB2 Motorsports in 2007.

Ragan is set to make four more starts in the Cup Series this year and will make his first start in the No. 6 in next season's Daytona 500.

"Obviously, I've got big shoes to fill and quite a legacy to follow, but I look forward to the challenge and the next chapter of the No. 6 race team," Ragan said.

Ragan has one pole and six top-10 finishes in 15 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. He will make his next Cup start at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 22.