The recent racing spectacle in Las Vegas underlined the resilience and talent of two NASCAR drivers, Ryan Preece and Josh Berry, who both rose from adversity to triumph. Preece, formerly of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), and Berry, now with Wood Brothers Racing, have both weathered challenging times to emerge as victors.
Stewart-Haas Racing was once a powerhouse in the NASCAR landscape, boasting championship-winning cars and celebrated drivers. Its crowning moments included Tony Stewart’s title in 2011 and Kevin Harvick’s triumph in 2014. However, the team’s star began to fade in recent years, culminating in the sudden announcement in 2024 that SHR would cease its NASCAR operations. This left its drivers, including Ryan Preece, in a race of their own – to secure their futures.
Despite enduring a tough 2024 season with SHR, with more DNFs (4) than top-5 finishes (1), Preece has proven his mettle as one of NASCAR’s most resilient competitors. This was demonstrated during the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas, where he turned his luck around to finish in 3rd place. This marked his best finish in the 2025 season and his career-best in the Cup.
Preece attributed his success to a key restart at the end of Stage 2, where he managed to surge from 20th to 11th place. This turning point set him up for a strong finish, despite earlier challenges. He went on to express his gratitude for his team’s excellent execution and strategy.
After SHR’s exit from NASCAR, Preece’s future looked uncertain until RFK Racing extended an olive branch. They offered him a full-time seat in the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a move that has now proven fortuitous.
Preece’s success story was echoed by fellow driver Josh Berry, who scored his breakthrough win at the Las Vegas race. Berry, who had spent years competing in late models before earning an opportunity with JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, showcased his talent by holding off strong competitors. His victory was a significant milestone for his team, Wood Brothers Racing, marking their 101st win in the Cup Series and their 2nd win since Ryan Blaney’s 2017 triumph at Pocono.
Berry’s unconventional journey to success and Preece’s tenacity highlight the unyielding spirit of NASCAR’s driver community. Despite the fierce competition, there is a deep sense of camaraderie and collective celebration of triumphs. Berry and Preece had even made a jovial pact before the season started, promising to celebrate with beers if either of them won a race.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, both Preece and Berry have proven that adversity can be a stepping stone to greater success. Their stories serve as a reminder that in NASCAR, fortunes can change as quickly as the lanes on the race track.
