INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 20: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 Body Guard Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. With new drivers coming to the sport, seasoned veterans see it as an opportunity to teach them a few things about the trade. Hence, they offer advice as mentors or support drivers whose style resonates with them. Following Zilisch’s challenging debut at the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas on March 2, 2025, Kyle Busch transformed from competitor to mentor, providing invaluable guidance to the young driver. Another seasoned veteran, Ryan Newman, who retired in 2023, is also eager to share insights and inspire up-and-coming talent.
Newman embodies the essence of tenacity in modern motorsports. Known as “Rocket Man” for his impressive qualifying skills, he gained recognition for his unique combination of engineering intellect and traditional racing grit. Even after stepping back from full-time Cup racing, Newman continues to revel in the thrill of competition. Whether it’s modifieds, late models, or anything in between, he remains devoted to the sport. During the Talladega weekend, amidst reflections filled with racing wisdom, Newman expressed admiration for a rising star from Brad Keselowski’s camp: Ryan Preece.
Newman’s enthusiasm for racing remains undiminished. In his moments at Talladega, he stated, “I love racing. Whatever the schedule fits, and the opportunity works, sign me up.” This unwavering passion reflects his dedication even after years of competing in the Cup Series. For Newman, the thrill of racing is too powerful to resist, leading him in 2025 to focus on grassroots racing, including full-time participation in the SMART Modified Tour and his debut in the CARS Tour late model stock series. His recent successes illustrate that he continues to possess the skill and adaptability that fans have come to appreciate.
In a conversation about his career and those of his fellow competitors, Newman brightened noticeably when discussing Ryan Preece. “I was a pro-Ryan Preece guy back when we were racing modified at Loudon,” he shared, highlighting Preece’s early accomplishments, including winning the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour championship, which demonstrated his potential as not just a local talent but a future star in Xfinity and Cup Series.
However, Preece’s ascent in NASCAR has been greatly influenced by the mentorship of Brad Keselowski. This seasoned driver has played a crucial role in Preece’s career trajectory, especially after a challenging phase with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. As uncertainty loomed over Preece’s future in the Cup Series, Keselowski, recognizing Preece’s immense talent and unwavering work ethic, welcomed him to RFK Racing for the 2025 season, entrusting him with the new No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Keselowski has frequently expressed his belief in Preece’s capabilities, often drawing parallels to Joey Logano’s early struggles. “I see Ryan, I see someone who has talent. He has work ethic and probably hasn’t been in the opportunities he needs to be in to be successful,” Keselowski noted. Newman echoed this sentiment, affirming Preece’s potential, saying, “He’s proved that I wasn’t wrong as well as several other people.” For Newman, witnessing Preece’s success is a personal testament to the importance of perseverance and the recognition of talent, even when the road ahead is rocky.
As the 2025 Jack Link’s 500 approaches, Ryan Preece is poised to start in an impressive fourth position at Talladega Superspeedway, alongside teammate Joey Logano on the second row. Both drivers recorded identical qualifying times of 52.700 seconds, demonstrating RFK Racing’s competitive edge on the 2.66-mile high-banked oval. This strong qualifying effort positions Preece well for what promises to be a thrilling race, especially amidst the unpredictability of Talladega.
Talladega has historically been a favorable venue for Preece. This upcoming race marks his 11th Cup Series start at the superspeedway in Alabama, where he has amassed three top-10 finishes, including a commendable third place during his Cup debut at the track in 2019. His average finishing position of 18.3 there is among the best of all the circuits he has raced on, underscoring his capability in the unique and intense pack racing environment that superspeedways present.
Having matched his career-best third-place finish earlier this season at Las Vegas, Preece appears to be gaining valuable momentum in the Cup Series. His history at Talladega showcases not only his ability to avoid wrecks but also to seize opportunities in late-race scenarios—an essential skill at a venue known for its high-speed volatility and frequent multi-car incidents.
As race day unfolds, fans are eager to see if Ryan Preece can leverage his qualifying speed and past experiences at Talladega to achieve his first-ever Cup Series victory at this challenging superspeedway. With the mentorship of Brad Keselowski and the support of Newman fueling his aspirations, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown that could define Preece’s future in NASCAR.
The excitement surrounding this race is palpable, as it epitomizes the spirit of competition and the determination that drives athletes like Preece onward. Talladega represents not just another race; for Preece, it symbolizes an opportunity to fulfill the dreams that he has tirelessly chased since his early days in racing. Can the combination of Keselowski’s guidance and his own relentless drive propel Ryan Preece to that coveted victory lane? Fans and enthusiasts alike will find out soon, as the momentous race gets underway with the roar of engines echoing across the historic track.
In summary, the dynamics of mentorship in NASCAR are as vital as the skill it takes to navigate these races. With contributions from veterans like Brad Keselowski and Ryan Newman, Ryan Preece emerges not just as a competitor but as a testament to the significance of guidance in realizing one’s potential. As he prepares for the Jack Link’s 500, Preece carries with him the hopes of his mentors, peers, and fans, each one invested in seeing him claim his place among NASCAR’s elite.
