Biographies | Northern Tool Racing

Erik Darnell

Erik Darnell’s career path seemed destined from birth. Having a grandfather with a successful USAC background and a father with an equally impressive ASA resume, it was only natural that he would take to the track and continue putting the family name in racing programs throughout the country.

At only eight weeks old, Erik was given his first exposure to the racing world when he was brought to the Mecca of stock car racing, Daytona International Speedway. While most children were left to the care of their mothers while their fathers worked on the cars, Erik’s story was a little different. “I was right there with everyone,” he said. “They had me propped up in a box, in the back of the truck so I could see what was going on.”

At the age of 12, Erik got behind the wheel and began racing go-karts in his native Illinois. What began as a hobby would soon turn serious, as he won Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season of competition at the River Valley Kart Club in 1996. He followed his early accomplishment by winning three championships the very next year.

David Ragan

David Ragan began racing in the Bandolero Series in 1997, at 11 years old. Under the guidance of his father, former Winston Cup driver, Ken Ragan, David had years of experience instilled in him before he ever hit the racetrack. Not wanting to be known as just the son of a former driver, David made sure to let his on-track performance prove that he was out to establish his own reputation. He accomplished his goal, winning 12 races and the National Championship in just his second year of competition.

David continued to race in the Bandolero Series for the next two years, again winning the National Championship in 1999. He progressed to a full-size car soon after when he began competing in the Goody’s Dash Series. This move would help him prepare for the next step in his career.

Colin Braun

At just 20 years of age, Colin Braun (pronounced "brown") is one of motorsports' rising stars. Racing since the age of five, Braun is the complete package showing professionalism, versatility, commitment and passion both on and off the track.

Braun, whose father was an engineer for professional race teams, caught the racing bug at an early age. His racing career began at age five when he started racing quarter midgets in his home state of Texas. At age eight he moved into karts driving for factory teams in not only the U.S. but in Italy, Monaco and Japan as well. He won multiple national karting championships before moving into Formula cars at age 14.