Ryan Preece’s Resilience and Ambition Fuel His Las Vegas Charge
As the NASCAR Cup Series roars into its final stretch, Ryan Preece stands at a pivotal moment, fueled by a season of growth and a burning desire to prove himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a first-year team truly contend for victory in one of the most competitive racing series in the world? Preece and his RFK Racing team are determined to answer that question with a resounding yes, starting with Sunday’s South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
With a renewed sense of confidence and the addition of new partners Crumbl Cookie and Sysco, Preece believes his team is poised to finish the season strong. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the results; it’s about the lessons learned and the foundation laid for 2026. The ROVAL race, Preece notes, was a turning point that helped the team break out of a mid-season slump. “It got us back on track,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of August and September, where potential victories slipped through their fingers.
Now, with Las Vegas on the horizon, Preece is eager to capitalize on the momentum. “These next four races—Las Vegas, Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix—are tracks I genuinely enjoy,” he explained. “We’ve had strong showings, and I’m confident we can turn those into wins before the season ends.”
Preece’s journey in 2025 has been one of growth and consistency, a feat that’s impressed many in the racing world. “For a first-year team, I think we’ve shocked a lot of people,” he admitted. While a win would have secured a playoff spot, Preece remains focused on the bigger picture. “We’re building a solid foundation for next year,” he said. “Even without a win, we’re sitting around 12th in points, which is nothing to be upset about.”
But here’s the bold question: is consistency enough, or does a driver of Preece’s caliber need to win to truly validate his potential? Preece himself admits he’s not satisfied with just finishing in the top 10. “I’ve won in everything I’ve ever been in,” he said. “Finishing sixth at the ROVAL was great, but I’m not okay with just being happy about it. I want to win.”
This drive to succeed has been amplified by his partnership with Brad Keselowski, who serves as both a teammate and a mentor. “Working with Brad has been incredible,” Preece shared. “I’ve learned so much about his career and the similarities to my own. It’s been eye-opening to see how he approaches challenges and strives for improvement.”
Las Vegas holds special significance for Preece, who delivered one of his strongest performances of the season there in March. Starting 12th, he charged to a third-place finish, showcasing his ability to navigate the track’s unique challenges. “Las Vegas is one of the faster-paced mile-and-a-halves,” he explained. “It’s got character—bumps in turns one and two, multiple lines to make speed, and a technical section in turns three and four. It’s a favorite among drivers.”
With cooler temperatures expected for Sunday and valuable data from his spring run, Preece is optimistic about another strong performance. “We’re one step ahead of where we were in March,” he said. “I think we’ve got a real shot at winning this one.”
Piloting the No. 41 Crumbl Cookie | Sysco Ford Mustang, Preece aims to close the gap on RFK Racing teammate Chris Buescher, who currently sits 17th in the Cup standings. As the season winds down, Preece’s focus remains unwavering: “I won’t stop until we win.”
What do you think? Can Ryan Preece and his team turn potential into victory in these final races? Or is the leap from consistency to winning too great for a first-year team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
