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Facing Fear: Ryan Preece’s Family Opens Up About Terrifying Daytona Crashes and the Urgent Need for NASCAR Safety Reforms

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 24, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Facing Fear: Ryan Preece’s Family Opens Up About Terrifying Daytona Crashes and the Urgent Need for NASCAR Safety Reforms

Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (60) gets airborne after a wreck during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The thrilling saga of Ryan Preece, a man of grit and determination, is one that’s punctuated by awe-inspiring highs and heart-stopping lows. Preece’s narrative has been a tumultuous ride, marked by daring maneuvers, catastrophic wrecks, and an unwavering spirit that refuses to be subdued.

In the Daytona Night Race of 2023, Preece’s Stewart-Haas Racing Ford was flipped ten times in a terrifying barrel roll that left spectators holding their breath and his wife, Heather, watching helplessly from home with their daughter, Rebecca. With the camera blacking out and silence engulfing the stands, Heather’s world came to a standstill.

Fast forward to the Daytona 500 of 2025, Preece found himself in a chillingly similar situation. Despite being part of a different team, Preece became an unintended casualty when Christopher Bell crashed into the outer wall with only five laps remaining. Preece’s RFK Racing Ford was violently upturned and suspended in mid-air due to a collision with Erik Jones’ No. 43. As his car spiraled down to the track, a collective gasp swept through the crowd.

For Heather, the replay of these horrifying incidents sends chills down her spine. The couple’s young daughter, Rebecca, is the driving force behind their enduring resilience. Preece poignantly recalls the deafening silence and the sense of dread during his 2025 crash, saying, “All I thought about was my daughter.” As his car was airborne, Preece was consumed by thoughts of his loved ones. He was fully aware of the grim situation but uncertain about its outcome.

During a segment on FOX with Jamie Little, Preece and his wife delved into their emotional turmoil during these near-fatal crashes and how they’ve managed to navigate through it as a family. Heather admitted that she never imagined lightning would strike twice. She expressed her fears about the potential impact on their family if Preece were to succumb to these dreadful incidents. For her, these wrecks aren’t merely statistics; they’re slow-motion nightmares that persist in her memory.

Despite the high-stakes nature of his profession, Preece ensures that he devotes quality time to his family. Heather recounts how Preece, despite his demanding schedule, goes the extra mile to make her feel cherished and valued. Preece admits that fatherhood has profoundly changed him, saying, “It’s very easy to get lost in racing.”

Preece has shown exceptional courage in the face of adversity. Regardless of the frequent brushes with death, he maintains a positive outlook. He doesn’t dwell on the prospect of a wreck, but treats each race as a fresh opportunity. Heather adopts a similar mindset, focusing on wishing him a successful and safe race. Preece asserts, “This is the way I provide for my family. I put my heart and soul into this sport. This is the best way for me to give my family the best life they could ever have.”

Reflecting on Preece’s 2023 crash, Heather shared a poignant photograph of Preece’s hospital discharge, describing it as a stark reminder of their blessings. Preece’s resilience is evident in his willingness to persist despite the risks. Yet, every crash, every flip is a agonizing reminder of the dangers he faces. Love, however, keeps them anchored; their daughter’s laughter and Heather’s fortitude spur him on to give his best as a driver.

Preece’s harrowing experiences at Daytona underscore the urgent need for safety reforms in the sport. The 2025 Daytona 500 was inching towards its climax when Preece’s Ford Mustang was flipped and crashed into the wall. Preece expressed his determination to not be a cautionary tale for the sport.

His 2025 crash was more severe than the 2023 incident, with Preece describing it as incredibly violent. He recalled the panic and desperation as his car lifted off the ground, praying for the ordeal to end. His fellow racer, Denny Hamlin echoed Preece’s concerns, advocating for changes in the sport to prevent such devastating crashes in the future.

Hamlin stressed on the need for reducing drag and increasing tyre wear, which would necessitate drivers to be more cautious and strategic. He urged, “Please, please get drag out of these cars. Reduce spoiler size, please.”

Preece’s indomitable spirit is commendable, but these crashes serve as an urgent call to action. With Hamlin lending his support, it’s hoped that NASCAR will introduce necessary changes to superspeedway racing, ensuring that no driver has to endure such terrifying flips again.

Preece’s saga is a stark reminder of the highs and lows of the sport – a test of grit, a testament to resilience, and a call for change.

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