RFK Racing arrived at Talladega Superspeedway for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series weekend, filled with optimism and hope. After battling through a string of challenging results, the team was keen to turn things around in an environment known for its unpredictable nature and collaborative driving strategies. Brad Keselowski, the team’s co-owner and a seasoned competitor on the famed track, was expected to be their leading contender. However, misfortune struck early in Stage 1 when the No. 6 Ford was caught in a wreck, putting RFK’s chances in jeopardy.
Yet, amid the chaos and setbacks, Ryan Preece emerged as a beacon of hope for RFK Racing. The newcomer delivered a standout performance, finishing in second place and showcasing his talent when it mattered most. Preece’s remarkable day underscored the notion that sometimes, glory waits in unexpected corners.
As the competition intensified at Talladega, Ryan Preece demonstrated remarkable resilience for RFK Racing. “I felt like this was the most aggressive I’ve raced on a superspeedway,” he remarked, reflecting on his career-best finish. The race was nothing short of thrilling, featuring 65 lead changes among 23 different drivers, and Preece managed to keep his focus despite the early misfortunes suffered by his teammates Keselowski and Chris Buescher. With a green flag run throughout the final stage, Preece found himself in a prime position to make his move.
The drama unfolded on lap 43 when Keselowski, Kyle Busch, and Ryan Blaney collided during a tricky maneuver to pit. Just moments later, Chris Buescher experienced significant damage due to a spin on lap 52. Given the circumstances, RFK Racing’s hopes rested squarely on Preece’s shoulders. Instead of simply enduring the situation, he excelled.
Utilizing the draft to his advantage, Preece maintained a competitive position throughout the race. “I wish I didn’t have to shade up so much and maybe side draft Austin to pull him,” he reflected on a critical moment towards the end. Though Preece’s impressive drive culminated with a second-place finish—just 0.022 seconds behind race winner Austin Cindric—he couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and heartache, saying, “I’m happy, but as a racer, you want to win, right?”
Despite the slight disappointment of missing the win, Preece had much to celebrate. This race marked his second top-5 finish of the season, a feat he only managed once during his previous season with Stewart-Haas Racing. Preece’s performance signaled that he could indeed be a formidable force with the right opportunities. “Thank you to RFK… without this opportunity, I’d probably be back in Connecticut racing modifieds,” he added, showcasing his appreciation for the chance to compete at this level.
Ryan Preece not only completed the race but nearly clinched victory, illustrating the potential he possesses and the promise he holds for RFK Racing. This result also highlighted the team’s improvement, marking their second top-five finish in just six races.
As the race neared its conclusion, tension filled the air. Ford’s Austin Cindric expertly defended the low line while Preece mounted a serious challenge from the high side, surpassing William Byron on lap 182. Meanwhile, a trio of Chevrolet drivers, including Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman, lurked behind them. Preece said, “Coming through the tri-oval, I’m, alright, we’re all sticking together, and no one was really leaving me,” underscoring the strategic positioning integral to the intense concluding laps.
Ultimately, the Chevrolet drivers stayed in the draft, mindful of the lapped traffic that posed a potential threat just ahead. This left the two Ford drivers, Cindric and Preece, to duke it out in a final showdown. With every ounce of effort, Preece fought hard, but in a nail-biting finish, Cindric narrowly edged him out. The combination of skill and the drafting advantage from lapped cars proved pivotal, solidifying Cindric’s victory as he crossed the finish line just ahead of Preece.
Austin Cindric’s thrilling victory at the 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway was monumental, marking his third win in the NASCAR Cup Series and his first since June 2024. The win was significant not only for him but also for Team Penske, representing their 102nd series victory with Ford amidst a challenging season.
Cindric took pride in the effort put forth by his team, stating, “We’re gonna celebrate this one at the shop. The guys really deserve it and I couldn’t be happier.” Team Penske has been competitive throughout the season, often leading laps and winning stages, yet they had struggled to convert those efforts into wins until now. Cindric’s performance at Talladega was a critical boost to the team’s morale, particularly following their mixed results earlier in the season.
Delving into the race highlights, Cindric’s climb from a 25th starting position was marked by an exemplary fuel-only pit stop, which allowed him to gain crucial track position ahead of Preece. This improvement was a significant turnaround for Team Penske, who had struggled with slower pit stops throughout the season. Credit for the victory was shared with teammate Kyle Larson, whose drafting assistance proved invaluable in the final laps. Cindric acknowledged this support, saying, “Kyle did a lot to take care of me, pushing me at the right times in the tri-oval.”
As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares to head to Texas Motor Speedway next weekend, Cindric and Team Penske will undoubtedly carry the momentum from their nail-biting finish at Talladega. This victory stands as a testament to Cindric’s skill as a driver and the team’s resilience as they strive for further success in the season ahead. Ryan Preece’s stellar performance not only provided a glimmer of hope for RFK Racing but also raised the question—could Preece be the star driver the team so desperately needs moving forward? With this in mind, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching him in the upcoming races.
