Ryan Preece, an RFK Racing driver, rose through the ranks of NASCAR without the advantage of a family racing legacy like Chase Elliott or Kyle Busch. Instead, he comes from a modest background in Connecticut, where his father managed a small plumbing and HVAC business employing around ten people. Despite the lack of motorsports roots, his father fully supported Preece’s ambitions to race.
The Financial Realities Preece Faced Early On
Unlike many young drivers spending summers at the track, Preece worked physically demanding jobs to help support his family and racing dreams. He fabricated ductwork as a tin knocker and braved cold winters scaling icy rooftops. Aware of how costly racing can be, he was determined not to let his passion drain the family’s finances.
On the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Preece recalled the pressures, saying,
I saw the financial burden that it was… And as you know, racing’s expensive. So, I didn’t want my father or my family to go broke because we were racing.
He further explained,
Now, my father, when things were really good or even right now, we can go race modifieds, but we weren’t going to be able to go do ARCA or K&N East or Xfinity or any of those things. Like financially, just we weren’t that (rich). And I guess at an early age, I just didn’t want to see my family struggle.
Pursuing Independence Without Financial Strain
Preece emphasized his desire to carve out his own path without putting undue strain on his family’s resources. He stated,
I wanted to figure it out for myself at that point. So, I guess I don’t necessarily think that I was separating. I think I said separating from my father, but I wanted to find my own way, I wanted to build it up without (anyone suffering financially),
highlighting his commitment to independence while respecting his family’s wellbeing.
Work Ethic and Commitment Beyond the Track
Having experienced hard labor firsthand, Preece jokes that attending sponsor events is easier than working in attic crawlspaces or on freezing rooftops. For him, meeting obligations and preparing for each race is inherent to the role—not a burden but a necessary part of pursuing success. The driver’s dedication extends beyond driving skills to fostering lasting relationships with sponsors and partners, which he believes are vital for achieving and sustaining success.
Performance and Progress in the 2024 Season
Carrying this relentless work ethic to the racetrack, Preece has had a notable 2024 season. Over the first 22 races, he earned two top-five finishes and nine top-10s, positioning him 14th in the driver standings. This performance marks the strongest run in his eight-year Cup Series career and sets a promising foundation heading into 2025.
Implications of Preece’s Journey for NASCAR’s Future
Ryan Preece’s story underscores the significant sacrifices often behind a driver’s rise in NASCAR, especially when family resources are limited. His balanced approach to pursuing his dream without jeopardizing his family’s stability highlights the grit required to sustain a career in motorsports. As he continues to progress, his experience serves as a powerful example of perseverance and practical ambition, signaling potential for even greater achievements in upcoming seasons.
