Earlier this week, David Ragan named the Shriners Hospitals for Children his official charity and pledged his support to the organization and the twenty two hospitals that care for thousands of children every year – regardless of their financial situation.

The great contribution and service that the Shriners Hospitals for Children provide to our nation is undeniable. In 2007, Shriners Hospitals approved 39,454 new patients and for 86 solid years Shriners Hospitals have helped over 865,000 children with unfortunate conditions that range from severe burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

"I am happy and proud to be in a position where I can make a real difference in the lives of these kids and educate others about this wonderful organization," said Ragan who drives the #6 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and also competes in the Nationwide Series.

Ragan is currently running 17th in the Sprint Cup standings but his fifth place spot in the Nationwide standings is what really stands out. 2007 was his rookie year in the Sprint Cup Series and Ragan outperformed all expectations with a fifth place finish at Daytona and an impressive third place finish at Richmond.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children have found solid support in the 22 year-old NASCAR driver who is fully committed to helping his newly-christened "official charity" while boosting his performance in the second-half of the NASCAR season.

Along with his generous donations, Ragan has also said that he plans to join the ancient Shriners fraternity later this year. With a busy NASCAR career and a non-stop schedule, joining the Shriners fraternity will be a good move for the Georgia native.