After a deal came together late in 2024 to put Ryan Preece in a third RFK Racing entry for 2025, few would have expected to see Preece challenge for multiple wins early in the season. However, after his recent performance at Talladega, it’s clear he’s here to compete. For the first time in his career, he now has multiple top-five finishes in a single season, and with only ten races completed, Preece has proved that he is a contender. He finished a career-best second at Talladega, narrowly missing out on his first NASCAR Cup Series victory.
The finish at Talladega was nothing short of exhilarating, as Preece engaged in an intense drag race with the eventual winner, Austin Cindric. With the checkered flag in sight, a draft from lapped cars ahead gave Cindric the slight edge he needed, resulting in a heart-pounding margin of just 0.022 seconds. This finish left Preece still searching for his first win as he remains 0-197 in his career.
I’m happy but as a racer, you want to win,
Preece expressed after the race.
I felt like coming through the tri-oval, we’re all staying together and no one was really leaving me. I wish I didn’t have to shade up so much and maybe side-draft Austin [Cindric] to pull him back.
His reflection on the outcome illustrates both his satisfaction and the burning desire to succeed.
Preece also took a moment to acknowledge his supporters, stating,
Without this opportunity, I’d probably be back in Connecticut racing Modifieds. So, this one is for the modified crowd.
Preece has a rich history in NASCAR’s Modified division, where he clinched a championship in 2013. His recent success only cements his reputation as a dedicated driver.
Currently, Ryan Preece sits solidly in 13th place in the standings, placing him ahead of his RFK Racing teammates, who unfortunately did not advance beyond the first stage at Talladega. His strong finish is a testament to his skills and the hard work of his team.
Looking back at the race, Preece conveyed his pride in his No. 60 team, saying,
We executed Stage 3 exactly like we needed to. We came out in the front of our group and worked our way through that traffic.
He recognizes the importance of effective teamwork in achieving success and remains optimistic about future races, stating, “It’s a great day, but I wanted to win.” As Preece continues to build on his momentum, fans can expect more thrilling performances from this promising driver.
