Photo credit: www.motorsport.com
RFK Racing and driver Ryan Preece have made an impressive impact this season, already finding themselves within playoff contention on points. Despite being a new team this year, with no crew chief named until January, Preece and the No. 60 RFK Ford currently hold the 14th position in the regular season standings, closely following teammate Chris Buescher.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Preece, who is supported by Celsius, shared insights on how this opportunity unfolded, revealing that he had been preparing for a possible exit from NASCAR by 2025.
“Doubt and uncertainty were certainly present,” Preece reflected. “Back in August and September, I was looking at real estate options in Connecticut, contemplating a move back there. I’m grateful that everything came together because it required numerous components to align. It’s enhanced both my personal growth and my performance as a driver and teammate, giving me invaluable lessons in a short time.”
Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Challenges
A former champion in NASCAR’s Modified division, Preece noted that a pivotal call from Brad Keselowski sparked his hope about returning to racing. However, he wasn’t completely confident about his presence on the grid this season. The lengthy timeline for RFK’s announcement of its expansion to three cars, including leasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing, didn’t deter Preece from aiming for quality over mere employment.
“There was a chance to secure a job and have a ride, but for me as a driver, just being out there isn’t enough,” Preece shared. “Settling for less wouldn’t be fulfilling. I could have taken the easy route earlier but it wouldn’t have shaped my career as it has. I’m a risk-taker; I choose to believe in myself, and fortunately, that belief has paid off.”
Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, Ryan Preece, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Jonathan Bachman – Getty Images
So far this season, Preece has notched up three top-ten finishes, with a personal best of third place and a stage win. While many observers might find the team’s success surprising, Preece remains unfazed. “I’m not surprised at all,” he stated. “I’ve always been extremely competitive across various racing platforms, and while the NASCAR Cup Series is fiercely competitive, success requires the right pieces to align.”
“It’s been gratifying to see our #60 team come together so quickly,” he added. “Most of us were only placed in our roles starting January, just ahead of The Clash and the Daytona 500. With several team members being relatively new, including some first-timers in the Cup Series, this dynamic has fostered an invigorating environment. RFK has brought a refreshing perspective, especially working alongside experienced teammates like Brad [Keselowski] and Chris [Buescher].”
Ryan Preece, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Chasing the Elusive Victory
Despite his accomplishments, Preece still seeks his first win in the Cup Series, which stands out as a notable absence on his otherwise impressive record, which includes victories in the Xfinity and Truck Series along with numerous wins as a Whelen Modified driver. With nearly 200 Cup starts without a victory, the question arises whether he can finally break through with the No. 60 team.
“There’s always room for improvement, but I see a solid foundation beneath us,” Preece remarked. “With our preparation for Talladega, we recognize that superspeedways often require a bit of luck. However, systematic preparation can significantly enhance our chances.”
“I feel optimistic about what lies ahead. Yes, I’m often seen as more suited for short tracks like Martinsville and Bristol, but I’ve also developed an appreciation for superspeedways and road courses. The coming months should align well with our team’s strengths. We have an efficient pit crew, and Derrick [Finley, crew chief] is making astute decisions. Now we just need to coordinate seamlessly on track.”
Ryan Preece, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Getty Images
While Preece typically approaches his racing one week at a time, he expresses excitement for the upcoming races. Mentioning tracks like Talladega, Texas, Kansas, North Wilkesboro (exhibition race), Charlotte, and Nashville, he conveyed, “These are venues I enjoy. Statistically, my Cup career has seen its ups and downs, but I genuinely believe in the potential for a strong upcoming month of momentum and opportunities.”
Preece’s enthusiasm for Talladega is intriguing, especially given his past experiences with significant crashes at superspeedways. Yet he views these challenges as gateways to potential triumph. “Despite the jokes and memes surrounding my past misfortunes, I see Talladega as a significant opportunity to secure a playoff spot,” he explained. “Currently, we’re firmly in the 13th position in points, about 40 points from seventh. While earning points is critical, winning is ultimately our goal.”
Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Unlike many of his peers in NASCAR, Preece has not enjoyed extensive backing throughout his career, leading him to fiercely pursue every opportunity to drive. His journey parallels that of other talented drivers who have intermittently showcased brilliance, propelling themselves into the spotlight. Preece has had notable moments, such as his commanding victory in an Xfinity race at Iowa and back-to-back wins at Nashville in the Truck Series.
Nonetheless, complacency is not in Preece’s nature; he consistently strives to excel on and off the track.
“This sport ultimately rewards hard work, and it’s important to stay relevant,” he noted. “There are established drivers who unexpectedly disappear from the scene. Key moments keep me engaged, whether it was winning at Iowa that led to further opportunities, or my Bristol win that paved the way for my time with JTG. Those victories catalyzed discussions about my future when uncertainty loomed after my last charter bid ended.”
“It’s about relationships and maximizing my role as a driver, a person, and a spokesperson for my sponsors. Every facet adds up. I’ve worn many hats in my journey, from helping crew chief to diving deep into Modified operations. I’ve invested considerable effort to reach my current position, and I won’t rest until I fulfill my ambitious goals.”
Ryan Preece, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
This season has been a vibrant experience for Preece, characterized not only by solid results but also by his ever-evolving paint schemes. This weekend, his No. 60 Ford will showcase Celsius branding. On the topic of sponsor relationships, Preece shared insights about the Celsius deal: “It’s refreshing. When you’re representing different sponsors, the best part is when you truly integrate their products into your daily routine. For instance, with United Rentals, I started using their equipment.”
“Caffeine powers my late nights in the shop; I am generally an early riser, hitting the ground running by 5 a.m. and winding down by 8 p.m. I find that working in the shop, particularly from 7 to 11 a.m., can be very productive, especially with my favorite flavors, like watermelon, keeping me energized.”
Ryan Preece, Celsius paint scheme for Talladega
As Preece looks forward to making a substantial impact in the playoffs, everything seems to be aligning perfectly. The synergy within the No. 60 team is palpable, sponsors are content, and he relishes the collaboration with teammates Buescher and Keselowski. Preece patiently awaited the right opportunity in his career, and it seems he has finally found his stride with RFK Racing.
“Chris and I share many interests,” Preece mentioned. “While we have our differences—he’s inclined towards off-roading and trucks, and I’m passionate about fast, street-legal vehicles—we both appreciate adrenaline and have our unique ways of experiencing it beyond NASCAR. Being around him brings a joyful and lighthearted atmosphere.”
“Working with Brad has also been valuable; not only is he a team owner, but he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Observing the dynamics in my partnership with Chris—who benefitted from his time with Brad—reveals the depth of insight he provides. It’s been a pleasure to learn from him, making me a better teammate, which translates to our strategies during races.”
Source
www.motorsport.com