Ryan Preece Bio
Early Life and Background
Ryan Jeffrey Preece was born on October 25, 1990, in Berlin, Connecticut. He is the youngest of three sons born to Jeff and Jodie Preece. Preece graduated from Xavier High School in 2009, where he was exposed to racing at a young age, developing a passion that would lead him into a professional racing career.
Preece’s early exposure to motorsports came through local racing events, where he began his journey in racing. His family supported his ambitions, and he quickly made a name for himself in various racing series, showcasing his talent and determination.
Path to NASCAR
Preece began his racing career in 2007, competing in the Northeastern Midget Association. By 2008, he secured his first podium finish, which set the stage for his future successes. In 2011, he won the championship in the SK Modified Series at Stafford Motor Speedway, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
His success in the SK Modified Series led to opportunities in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, where he achieved his first victory in 2013. This victory was pivotal, as it established him as a competitive driver in the NASCAR ranks and opened doors to higher series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Ryan Preece Career
Early Career (2007-2015)
Preece’s early career was marked by his participation in various regional racing series. He made his debut in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2013, where he won the championship that same year, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor. His early years were spent developing his skills and gaining experience, which would prove invaluable as he transitioned to national series.
In 2015, Preece made his first appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing. His performances in the Xfinity Series began to draw attention, setting the stage for a more prominent role in NASCAR.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2016-2018)
Preece joined JD Motorsports full-time in 2016, where he drove the No. 01 Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series. His notable performances included several top finishes, which helped him gain recognition. In 2017, he returned to the Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 20 Toyota Camry. During this time, he achieved his first career Xfinity Series victory at Iowa, showcasing his potential at the national level.
He continued to compete with JGR in 2018, where he secured another victory at Bristol, further establishing himself as a rising star in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2019-2022)
Preece made his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2019 with JTG Daugherty Racing, driving the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. He faced challenges during his rookie season but showed resilience and determination. Preece’s performance improved in subsequent seasons, and he became known for his aggressive driving style and ability to compete with established drivers.
In 2022, Preece served as a reserve driver for Stewart-Haas Racing while also competing in select races for Rick Ware Racing and David Gilliland Racing. His versatility allowed him to gain valuable experience across multiple series, including the Truck Series, where he won his first race at Nashville Superspeedway.
RFK Racing Era (2023-Present)
In November 2022, Preece was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing, marking a new chapter in his career. The 2023 season began with challenges, including a notable crash at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, which raised safety concerns. Despite these setbacks, Preece demonstrated his commitment to the sport and continued to compete at a high level.
As of 2025, Preece is looking to build on his experiences and improve his performance in the NASCAR Cup Series, aiming for consistent finishes and potential playoff contention.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Preece is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his experience in various series contribute to his competitive edge. Preece’s partnership with RFK Racing and his familiarity with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse are expected to enhance his performance in upcoming seasons.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Preece’s career highlights include winning the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship in 2013 and multiple victories in the Xfinity Series. His determination and resilience have been key factors in his success, making him a respected figure in the NASCAR community.
Ryan Preece Career Wins
Ryan Preece has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, including the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His victories have established him as a competitive driver in the sport.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Preece is still seeking his first Cup Series victory. He has recorded several top-ten finishes, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level. His journey continues as he aims to secure a win and solidify his place in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Preece has two wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with his first victory coming in 2021. In the Xfinity Series, he has secured two wins, further demonstrating his capability across different NASCAR divisions.
Ryan Preece Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ryan Preece was born into a supportive family that encouraged his racing ambitions. His parents, Jeff and Jodie Preece, played a significant role in nurturing his passion for motorsports. Preece is married to Heather DesRochers, a fellow racing driver, and together they have two children, Rebecca Marie and Bentley.
Personal Life
Preece maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his racing career while balancing family responsibilities. He and Heather met at Stafford Motor Speedway and share a deep connection through their mutual love for racing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging yet promising year for Ryan Preece. He started the season with a 23rd-place finish at the Daytona 500 and faced a setback with a penalty affecting his team’s points. Despite these challenges, Preece has shown resilience, aiming to improve his standings as the season progresses. His performance in the early races indicates potential for growth, and he remains focused on achieving consistent results as he competes for a spot in the playoffs.