Associated Press

UPS will make the switch next season and start a sponsorship deal with Ragan's No. 6 Ford, partnering the shipping company with one of NASCAR's most promising young drivers. Ragan just missed a coveted spot in the Chase, ending the "regular season" in 14th place and only 77 points behind Clint Bowyer for the final spot.

The 22-year-old Ragan had five top-five finishes in his second season and entered last week's race at Richmond still in contention for the Chase. But he spun out and had other miscues in a 32nd-place finish that knocked him out of a spot.

"When the checkered flag falls at Homestead, we're going to have a successful year, we're going to be 13th in points and everybody is going to be talking about us," Ragan said.

Crew chief Jimmy Fennig said Ragan would be one of the 12 Chase drivers next season.

"I see the growth, I see the maturity," Fennig said. "At the beginning of this year, I told Jack (Roush) we'd make the Chase. Next year, we will be in the Chase."

UPS joined Robert Yates Racing and NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett in the No. 88 Ford in 2001. UPS followed Jarrett last season when he joined Michael Waltrip Racing. This year, David Reutimann is driving the UPS car.

UPS and Jarrett were known for their witty commercials, and Ragan is looking forward to his shot at the TV ads.

"I think being funny on camera is something that we can all have fun with," Ragan said.

Ragan, who has yet to win a Cup race, was sponsored this year by AAA.