Authentic Cup Car Sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale
CONCORD, N.C. (January 18, 2019) – David Ragan was all smiles Thursday night at the world renowned car auction house, Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ragan joined patients from the Shiners Hospitals for Children on stage to watch the hammer drop after a final bid of $300,000 to purchase a 2018 No. 38 Shriners Hospitals for Children Ford Fusion Cup car. All of the proceeds of the bid will benefit the Shriners Hospitals.
The Ford Fusion from Front Row Motorsports was raced at Dover in 2018, with a livery to promote the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children located in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The NASCAR-sanctioned car was complete with a Ford Performance Roush Yates Racing engine that produces 750 horsepower. It was also equipped with the original four-speed G-Force transmission, a 4.63 rear gear and Goodyear racing tires.
The winning bid came from entrepreneur Rick Steele. Steele came to Barrett-Jackson on Thursday night determined to buy a race car and to help Shriners Hospitals- the healthcare system that treated his mother. Steele was happy when he made the final bid that drew the largest charity donation of the evening. Ragan was thrilled for Steele and for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“I really can’t thank Rick enough for his generous bid and donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said Ragan. “He really made tonight memorable for me, but also made a huge impact and benefit to the Shriners Hospitals and their patients and families. It was a wonderful night and $300,000 raised is amazing. I have to thank Bob Jenkins of Front Row Motorsports for donating the car and Doug Yates for donating the engine. There are so many other people who made this possible, too. I hope they all feel great for making such a big impact.”
Ragan has been a champion off the track for the patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children, a charity that he has supported since becoming a member of Shriners International in 2012 and serving as its NASCAR ambassador. Ragan visits Shriners Hospitals during the race season and invites patients to the track for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. He also raises awareness and funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children through various campaigns, public service announcements, donations and activities.
About David Ragan
David Ragan is a two-time winner in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Beginning his racing career in his youth, Ragan reached the top of the NASCAR ranks at a young age. Signed to race for Roush Fenway Racing, Ragan earned Rookie of The Year in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and runner-up for the Monster Energy Cup Series Rookie of the Year. He has Monster Energy Cup wins at the famed Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Ragan currently races the No. 38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports.
Off the track, Ragan serves as an official Love to the rescue® ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children and is a member of Shriners International.
About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
