Ryan Preece, a professional NASCAR racer, voiced a haunting revelation in the wake of a spine-chilling accident at the Daytona 500, “I don’t want to be the example. I don’t want it to be me.” This statement came after he narrowly escaped another alarming crash at the iconic race. His No. 60 Ford Mustang was entwined in the notorious “Big One,” a term coined for significant multi-car collisions at the Daytona 500. This time, his car took flight, teetering on two wheels as if performing a stunt.
The incident unfolded with a violent flip followed by a harsh collision into the exterior wall. Although the crash might not seem as violent as Preece’s 2023 accident when viewed from the outside, his chilling account indicates otherwise. Preece revealed he’d prefer the physical pain of swollen eyes over the terrifying feeling of being trapped in his race car during such an accident.
In a recent conversation with Chris Childers on the Racing America podcast, Preece compared his recent crash with the 2023 incident. Despite his car’s multiple flips and collision in 2023, he managed to recover and resumed racing, demonstrating his unyielding spirit. However, the recent Daytona crash was more threatening and severe.
Preece explained, “When the car left the ground, it got really quiet. I thought I was going over the fence. All I knew was the last point where I was going at a hundred 80 or a hundred 90 miles an hour, then I took flight. I knew the car was off the ground. I wanted to get off this ride.”
The dreadful event took place on the backstretch with only five laps remaining as part of a multi-car wreck. Erik Jones’ car hit Preece’s, lifting it into the air, flipping it over, and sliding it until it violently collided with the outside wall. Preece’s fear during this silent, heart-stopping moment is understandable, considering the fatal possibilities.
Racing incidents are not uncommon in NASCAR. However, an increasing number of frightening accidents on drafting tracks have raised serious questions. The central issue seems to revolve around the infamous superspeedway package.
Preece’s initial reaction was shared in an interview with NASCARONFOX. He stated, “When the car took off like that, all I thought about was my daughter.” His fear was exacerbated by the uncertainty of what could happen next as his car was airborne.
The historical fatal crash of Dale Earnhardt in 2001 underscores the crucial need for safety on high-speed tracks. The Next-Gen car design, specifically its flat underwing and diffuser, has attracted criticism for its role in causing these flips. Preece voiced concerns about the recurring safety issues, despite modifications like adding shark fins or flaps.
The flip of Corey LaJoie at Michigan in 2024 led to NASCAR implementing additional safety features. Despite these enhancements, cars continue to go airborne in races, with incidents not limited to Daytona. Harrison Burton, Brad Keselowski, and Josh Berry are among those who have also experienced similar accidents.
Commenting on Preece’s situation, Jeff Gordon stated, “It’s always been that balance between entertainment and safety.” He acknowledged that cars have become safer but emphasized the need to prevent airborne accidents.
The prestige of the Daytona 500 race has also been questioned. Is NASCAR comfortable with drivers eliminating each other on the final lap due to the modern-era drafting style of racing on superspeedway? With drag and fuel saving being significant factors, the “Big One” is almost a given at the end of the stage or race. The demand for more engine power to create disparity among the field contradicts NASCAR’s model of parity racing. Therefore, how NASCAR addresses this issue regarding the superspeedway package remains to be seen.
