Ryan Preece NASCAR breakthrough win came at a pivotal moment in his career during the summer of 2017, marking a turning point that elevated him from a talented regional contender to a respected figure on the national racing stage. The breakthrough unfolded at Iowa Speedway, where Preece’s perseverance and skill finally translated into a defining victory that reshaped his trajectory within NASCAR.
Ryan Preece’s Journey to NASCAR Prominence Through Grit and Opportunity
Ryan Preece’s racing career has been characterized by relentless determination and strategic risks, beginning with his roots in Connecticut’s Modified racing scene. After dominating the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and securing the championship in 2013, Preece transitioned to the national racing circuit. His early years in NASCAR involved part-time stints with teams like Tommy Baldwin Racing and JD Motorsports in the Xfinity series, where he gained valuable experience against rising talent.
From 2017 to 2018, Preece’s association with Joe Gibbs Racing became a crucial chapter. During this period, he secured two notable wins in the Xfinity Series and demonstrated consistent performance that convinced team leaders he could compete at the highest level. These achievements laid the groundwork for his eventual promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2019, driving the No. 47 Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing, taking over from AJ Allmendinger.
How a Landmark Victory Earned Preece Esteemed Respect Among Peers
The breakthrough win that earned Ryan Preece widespread respect occurred at the US Cellular 250 in July 2017 at Iowa Speedway. In a fiercely contested race decided by overtime, Preece endured intense competition from established drivers like Kyle Benjamin and Brian Scott to claim his first Xfinity Series victory. Starting from the pole and managing pressure in the race’s final laps reflected his skill under duress.
Reflecting on that moment, Preece shared,
“It was fun because what was really cool about it is the people that you race against—even if you had the biggest rivalry with them—they respected you enough to say, Man, that was it. That was cool. Watching you win was like one of us.”
—Ryan Preece
This win not only showcased his racing abilities but also forged a new level of acceptance in NASCAR’s upper echelon. It signaled to teams and sponsors that Preece was ready for more significant opportunities.
Steve de Souza and Joe Gibbs Racing Open Doors for Preece’s Career Expansion
Following the breakthrough at Iowa, Steve de Souza, president of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity and development program, reached out with plans to increase Preece’s involvement in the racing series. Initially offered two races—New Hampshire and Iowa—this opportunity soon expanded to 14 or 15 events, owing largely to scheduling and sponsorship arrangements involving Christopher Bell and Rheem.
Preece explained,
“All of a sudden, I get a call from Steve de Souza saying, Hey, Ryan, you know, what do you want to do? Are you busy next year? Would you be available to run so-and-so races?”
and later added,
“Hey, we’re going to—we’re going to put you in for these 10 races in the 18.”
—Ryan Preece
This increased exposure allowed Preece to compete regularly in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing throughout 2018, driving the No. 18 Safelite Toyota. His achievements included a prestigious Dash 4 Cash win at Bristol, where he took the lead late in the race to secure a $100,000 bonus. Though he did not win at Kentucky Speedway, his fourth-place finish there further underlined his growing capabilities on diverse tracks.
The Role of Sponsorship and Key Connections in Advancing Preece’s Career
An unexpected yet vital factor in Preece’s career advancement was the involvement of local connections near his home in New Britain, Connecticut. His ties through family and longtime acquaintances in the racing community helped introduce him to Stanley Black & Decker, a company that became a sponsor during his Xfinity tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing. This sponsorship enabled him to participate in 14 to 15 races during the 2018 season.
Describing this connection, Preece noted,
“But also, Stanley Black & Decker was located out of New Britain, Connecticut—7 minutes from my dad’s shop, our house. Well, Stanley—you know, DeWalt sponsored JGR—and a close friend of mine who did our tires that I’ve known since I was a kid ended up selling a car to somebody that was at Stanley and um, you know, they ended up talking about racing somehow and like, Hey, do you know this Ryan Preece guy?”
—Ryan Preece
This networking led to Craftsman’s sponsorship of a handful of races, which coincided with Craftsman’s return to Joe Gibbs Racing. Preece recalled,
“Oh yeah, he just won with Gibbs. You know, we sponsored that team.”
“He’s like, Oh yeah, you know, I’ve helped him for so long.”
And he ended up giving my tire guy his business card, and next thing I know it, they’re sponsoring me for four or five races with Craftsman when they were bringing that brand back into JGR.”
—Ryan Preece
These relationships greatly influenced Preece’s ability to gain rides and exposure in high-profile races, further positioning him for Cup Series consideration.
Challenges and Persistence After Entering the NASCAR Cup Series Full-Time
Preece’s inaugural full-time Cup season in 2019 was a period of immense excitement mixed with personal and professional challenges. The transition brought greater media attention and pressure, which at times strained family life, particularly with his wife. Despite this, Preece committed to refining his craft and harnessing his experience.
As of 2025, while Preece has yet to capture a Cup Series win or secure a playoff spot, his determination remains undiminished. His approach has evolved, focusing on aggressive tactics and evolving team strategies to contend with NASCAR’s competitive field.
Ryan Preece’s Current Drive to Break Through and Reach the Playoffs
Now racing with RFK Racing, Ryan Preece has adopted a full-throttle, risk-embracing style aimed explicitly at reaching the NASCAR playoffs. Unlike earlier seasons, where mid-pack finishes dominated, he is now relentlessly pushing for top-10 and top-15 placements, even when forced to start at the back of the grid. This aggressive mindset underscores his hunger for that elusive win and postseason positioning.
Despite setbacks earlier in the 2025 season, including slow pit stops and strategy errors, Preece and his team have redoubled their efforts with additional practice sessions and bolder race decisions. Performances at high-profile events like the Brickyard 400 and Chicago Street Race have cemented his role as a driver on the rise and one to watch as the regular season nears its conclusion.
The looming question remains whether Preece’s pushing of the limits will finally yield his sought-after first Cup Series victory and a playoff berth, or if the risks will continue to outpace the rewards. What is clear is his refusal to ease off the throttle, signaling an intense and hopeful pursuit of career milestones that once seemed out of reach.
