Branden Lines, formerly the spotter for Ty Majeski in the Craftsman Truck Series, has stepped away from that role to concentrate exclusively on William Byron’s Cup Series campaign. This shift means Majeski enters the Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) event with a new spotter for the first time in a while. As the Truck Series returns for the TSport 200 after nearly a month’s break, Brandon Wilkinson, who is the spotter for Ryan Preece in the Cup Series, will now handle spotting duties for both drivers during the race weekend.
Wilkinson’s dual role requires him to support Majeski as he chases a third straight victory at IRP while also managing Preece’s efforts to qualify for the Cup Series playoffs. This change was first revealed through Bob Pockrass on FOX Sports. The Truck race will run ahead of three headline events, including the Xfinity Series’ Pennzoil 250 and the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ty Majeski’s Pursuit of a Playoff Spot Intensifies
Looking to defend his Truck Series title, Ty Majeski enters the TSport 200 aiming to secure a crucial win. Majeski currently holds the last playoff position, sitting eighth and 38 points clear of ninth-placed Jake Garcia. A victory would guarantee his postseason place, fueling pressure for Wilkinson to provide clear guidance in the competitive field as Majeski seeks to extend his triumphant run at IRP.
Meanwhile, Ryan Preece battles to close a 16-point gap to the playoff cutline in the Cup Series, adding complexity to Wilkinson’s responsibilities. Managing the contrasting playoff scenarios for both drivers will test his focus and decision-making throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, Branden Lines moves full attention to William Byron, whose Cup season faces an important five-race stretch before the postseason.
William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports Face Crucial Brickyard Challenge
William Byron’s hold on the regular season points lead has weakened after a series of below-par finishes, dropping him behind his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott. Elliott now tops the standings with a flawless record of 21 finishes inside the top 20, accumulating 702 points, while Byron holds second with 686 points, closely followed by defending Brickyard 400 winner Kyle Larson.
The upcoming Brickyard 400 is a pivotal event for Byron. His recent performances at this track have been disappointing, placing him 31st among full-time drivers with an average finish of 25.33 in the last six races. However, Hendrick Motorsports’ recent success at Indianapolis, with four wins in the last ten years, provides hope that Byron can reverse his fortunes and strengthen his position in the regular season standings.
The Broader Impact on Playoff Prospects
This weekend’s reshuffle in spotting duties underscores the high-stakes environment for drivers on the playoff bubble in both the Truck and Cup Series. Wilkinson’s capacity to manage two key drivers illustrates the increasing tactical demands of the sport. Meanwhile, the outcomes at Indianapolis Raceway Park and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will play a crucial role in shaping the postseason fields, influencing championship trajectories for Majeski, Preece, Byron, and others.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Ryan Preece going in 2025?
A. In 2025, Ryan Preece is set to drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Q. Has Ryan Preece ever won a race?
A. Preece has participated in multiple NASCAR Xfinity Series races with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning two of them. In 2021, he won his first Truck Series race, which was also his debut. Additionally, Preece often races in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, achieving 25 victories throughout his career.
Q. Who is Ryan Preece going to drive for in 2025?
A. Ryan Preece will join RFK Racing to drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang in the 2025 season. In 2024, he drove the No. 41 car for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Q. Who will Ryan Preece drive for 2025?
A. Summary: In November, RFK Racing shared that Ryan Preece will drive their new full-time No. 60 Ford starting in 2025.
