In the high-octane world of NASCAR, even legendary teams like Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) can fall from grace. After 16 years, two championships, and 70 victories, SHR is closing its doors—leaving behind a bittersweet legacy. Among its recent disappointments was Ryan Preece, a driver brimming with potential but mired in mediocrity during his time with SHR. Now, Brad Keselowski is stepping in, convinced he can tap into what Tony Stewart couldn’t.
Preece, known for dominating the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with 25 victories and a 2013 championship, struggled to translate that success to NASCAR’s national ranks. His 2024 Cup season with SHR was forgettable: one top-five and five top-10 finishes, a shadow of his earlier promise. For Keselowski, however, Preece is more than a statistic—he’s a driver worth believing in.
“When I look at Ryan Preece, I see a lot of Chris Buescher in him,” Keselowski said in a recent video, referencing his RFK Racing teammate who surprised everyone with a stellar 2024 campaign. “I don’t think [Preece] has been in the best situations throughout his career. I am committed to putting him in situations where he can win and prove how talented he is.”
A Battle of Belief: Keselowski vs. Stewart’s Approach
Preece’s career trajectory changed in 2023 when Stewart fought hard to bring him into SHR’s Cup lineup, even clashing with Gene Haas, who favored retaining Cole Custer. Stewart had high hopes for Preece, praising his skill and grit: “Ryan’s Mod Tour championship speaks to his talent. He bet on himself, and that’s the kind of determination we value.”
But things didn’t pan out. Despite flashes of brilliance, Preece’s Cup results under SHR’s banner were lackluster. SHR’s own struggles—marked by Kevin Harvick’s winless final season and an underperforming lineup—likely played a role. By 2024, SHR had lost its luster, and Stewart’s gamble on Preece appeared to fall flat.
Keselowski’s Vision: A New Start for Preece
Now, Keselowski aims to rewrite the narrative. RFK Racing is expanding to a three-car operation in 2025, with Preece piloting the No. 60 Ford. Keselowski has doubled down on building a championship-caliber team, bringing in new crew chiefs, engineers, and managers to fine-tune performance.
“Adding a third team was the biggest change for RFK,” Keselowski said. “We’re bringing in more talent—Ryan Preece, new crew chiefs, race engineers. It’s really an exciting time…We need to win a championship.”
Will RFK Racing Deliver Where SHR Fell Short?
Keselowski’s confidence in Preece mirrors Stewart’s belief two years ago. But with SHR’s internal struggles now behind him, Preece has a clean slate. RFK Racing’s upward trajectory, bolstered by Chris Buescher’s resurgence, could provide the platform Preece needs to flourish.
For NASCAR fans, the question remains: can Keselowski unlock Preece’s untapped potential and turn him into a contender, or will Preece’s struggles follow him to RFK Racing? One thing’s for sure—2025 will be a pivotal season for both driver and team as they aim to prove the doubters wrong.
