Despite enduring a rough start to the season, RFK Racing is finding a silver lining in the performance of its unexpected star, Ryan Preece. The team, co-owned by 2012 Cup champion Brad Keselowski, has been grappling with a series of setbacks, including Keselowski’s own struggles on the track, a crash in Phoenix, and a pit crew suspension just before the Homestead-Miami race on March 23. However, amidst these hurdles, Preece has been quietly emerging as a beacon of hope for the team.
Preece, who was Tony Stewart’s last driver at Stewart Haas Racing, has been demonstrating his potential and proving Keselowski’s gamble right. His impressive third-place finish in Vegas marked his best performance in six years, a clear indication that his past challenges, including a disastrous flip at Daytona in 2023, have not dampened his spirit or drive. His dedication is evident in his relentless efforts, from early morning gym sessions to utilizing every available tool to improve his performance.
Preece’s journey has been marked by adversity, but he has not allowed it to halt his progress. He was the final driver from the SHR closure to secure a seat for 2025, after a long wait. However, he has grabbed this opportunity, and with his consistent efforts and unyielding determination, he is becoming the pulse of RFK Racing.
While Keselowski is working on regaining his form and Chris Buescher continues to be a robust competitor, Preece has been the spark that RFK Racing needed. His noticeable improvement was on full display at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he stole the show despite no RFK Racing driver leading laps. Preece secured a ninth-place finish, marking his second consecutive top-10 finish, a testament to the strides he has made.
His promising performance has not been a product of luck, but rather a result of his relentless hard work and determination. Preece’s commitment level has been so impressive that his crew chief, Derrick Finley, has full confidence in his potential to win a race.
Beyond his impressive performance on the track, Preece will be reconnecting with his roots and returning to the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series. He will be participating in two special races in 2025, with Thompson Speedway on May 14 and Stafford Motor Speedway on July 16. Preece has a notable history in the Modified Series, boasting 26 wins and the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour title.
His return to the series is eagerly awaited by fans and series director Renee Dupuis alike, who believes the combination of Preece and RaceChoice.com will add excitement to the 2025 schedule. Preece’s return to modified racing may provide him with an extra boost, similar to how Christopher Bell benefited from his off-season dirt track racing.
In conclusion, despite the challenges that RFK Racing has encountered, Preece’s shining performance has provided the team with a glimmer of hope. His dedication and determination are a testament to his character and his potential to make significant strides in the future. As Keselowski continues to uphold the team’s motto of “Work Hard, Work Smart, Work Together, Have Fun,” Preece is the embodiment of these values and is set to continue lighting the path for RFK Racing.