Brad Keselowski, a seasoned NASCAR competitor since 2004, has shifted part of his focus to mentoring younger drivers, using his extensive experience to support their careers. Among those benefiting from Keselowski’s mentoring is Ryan Preece, who races for the RFK Racing team co-owned by Keselowski. This mentorship is helping Preece in his pursuit of success in the NASCAR Cup Series as an underdog contender.
This season, Preece’s best finish was a third place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March, and he most recently finished 15th in the Viva Mexico 250 held in Mexico City. Despite not yet securing a playoff berth, Preece maintains consistent performances and currently sits 14th in the overall Cup Series standings with 354 points, fueling his hopes for a postseason opportunity.
As Preece prepares for the upcoming Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, his confidence remains high. When discussing his status in the sport, Preece expressed enthusiasm for being underestimated.
“What I truly enjoy is being looked at as a true underdog. They didn’t expect me to run well this year; they didn’t expect me to even be in the chase conversation, or even be in the conversation to try and make the playoffs, so I like it, I like being the guy that usually upsets people.” Ryan Preece said.
Friendly Rivalry Fuels Drive Between RFK Teammates
Within RFK Racing, the fight for the final playoff spot has intensified as Ryan Preece and his teammate Chris Buescher currently sit close in the standings. Buescher holds a slim 19-point lead over Preece, ranking 13th and 14th respectively in the NASCAR Cup Series. With just ten races remaining, the competition between them is heating up but remains respectful.
Despite the rivalry on track, both drivers have reassured fans and each other that their friendship remains intact. They recognize the value of sportsmanship during such a critical phase of the season.
“We’re not going to act like we’re just racing one car. For us, it’s not going to change our approach. We’ve been able to race each other really respectfully, understanding that we are each other’s only friend out there at a lot of points. I think we’ll continue to have good, hard racing like we have throughout the year,” Chris Buscher said via Yardbarker.
Preece echoed similar sentiments, focusing fully on victories rather than internal conflict. Their collaborative yet competitive dynamic promises intense battles as the NASCAR season progresses and they both vie for a coveted playoff position.
Playoff Prospects and What Lies Ahead for Preece
Ryan Preece’s steady presence in the NASCAR Cup Series reflects the influence of Brad Keselowski mentoring NASCAR underdog driver efforts, further bolstering his drive to qualify for the playoffs. His consistent finishes and growing confidence indicate a potential breakthrough is within reach. With the season nearing its climax, participation in the playoffs would mark a significant milestone for Preece and RFK Racing.
Preece’s determination to embrace his underdog role, combined with the experience and guidance of Keselowski and the friendly rivalry with Buescher, shapes the narrative of his season. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see if this support and mindset lead Preece to a pivotal win and secure him a spot in the NASCAR postseason.
