The 2025 NASCAR season has dramatically changed Ryan Preece’s trajectory, showcasing his resilience and strategic mindset. Driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing, Preece is proving his ability to compete at the front, marking a turning point in his career with multiple top-10 finishes.
Overcoming Challenges Through Persistence and Growth
Ryan Preece’s path to success has been anything but smooth, marked by numerous setbacks including team closures and uncertain future prospects. After ending the 2024 season 26th in points and losing his ride due to Stewart-Haas Racing shutting down, many doubted that his Cup Series career would continue.
At 34 years old, after changing teams repeatedly and striving for relevance, Preece refused to give up. Instead, he focused on learning and steady improvement, traits crucial to his current momentum. This season, he’s achieved three consecutive top-10 finishes for the first time in his Cup career, highlighted by a career-best third place and a seventh-place finish at Martinsville after starting 21st. His steady progress underlines the importance of resilience in reaching this career peak, with potential for even greater achievements ahead.
Bold Race Tactics Driving Results
Preece’s 2025 success is also rooted in an aggressive and adaptable strategy developed with his RFK Racing team. Under the guidance of crew chief Derrick Finley, they have embraced bold pit strategies and decisive on-track tactics that have delivered impressive results.
A standout example came in Las Vegas where despite receiving a speeding penalty, Preece managed to finish third—the best result of his career. This outcome was a product of quick pit stops and alternative strategy choices. Another top-10 finish at Homestead demonstrated how well this calculated risk-taking formula is working. Preece himself has acknowledged this approach, saying,
“We’ve been aggressive. Aggressive on pit calls, aggressive on the track, aggressive everything and that’s what I want to keep going for our group.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Leveraging Advanced Technology and Data Insights
Technological innovation and thorough data analysis play a key role in Preece’s performance this season. Together with crew chief Derrick Finley, Preece extensively studies Sports Media Technology (SMT) data and race footage to analyze performance metrics and anticipate competitor strategies, maximizing their competitive edge.
Finley credits these tools as significant contributors to their breakthrough season. By integrating data-driven insights into race planning and execution, Preece and his team have been able to make smarter, faster decisions throughout events.
Finding Stability and Support with RFK Racing
The partnership between Preece and RFK Racing has provided the driver with the environment he needed to thrive. The team’s rising competitiveness and return to playoff contention have created a platform for Preece’s growth. Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, has praised Preece as “underrated” and “coachable,” noting his openness to learning and development.
After spending years with underfunded teams and lacking consistency, Preece finally has the support and resources that come with a well-funded, professional organization. This newfound stability is a significant factor in his recent success. With RFK Racing demonstrating strong performance, their collaboration not only marks the beginning of a promising chapter but could also lead Preece to the playoffs and possibly his first NASCAR Cup victory.
Ryan Preece’s 2025 NASCAR top-10 finishes success reflects a combination of enduring perseverance, strategic boldness, technological savvy, and team stability. As the season progresses, his continued improvements hint at an exciting future for the driver and RFK Racing’s competitive prospects.
