Ryan Preece has a shot at redemption. After 187 winless races, the former Stewart-Haas Racing driver has the opportunity to rebuild his reputation in the Cup Series at RFK Racing. The 34-year-old will pair with Chris Buescher and the co-owner Brad Keselowski in a three-car lineup, as the team looks to evolve into an elite organization that can consistently challenge for race wins and championships. However, could the Connecticut native’s signing backfire, given his poor form at NASCAR’s highest level?
Even though Preece’s arrival at RFK Racing was one of NASCAR’s worst-kept secrets, it was also somewhat controversial. Many questioned Keselowski’s decision after Preece failed to impress in his 72 starts for Stewart-Haas Racing. However, the team’s co-owner defended his decision during his welcome speech for the recruit.
RFK Racing’s third team highlights their ambition
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It was an ambitious move by Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. While rumors had been circulating about the team expanding its Cup Series operations, the lack of charters available for sale, combined with the financial resources needed to make it a reality made it seem like it might be out of reach for the team co-owned by Jack Roush, Brad Keselowski, and John Henry. However, leasing a charter from Rick Ware Racing for 2025 seems like a genius move, with Ryan Preece being chosen to pilot the No. 60 Ford next year.
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Is RFK Racing's decision to sign Ryan Preece a bold move or a risky gamble?
Bold move with potential
Risky gamble
Smart strategic decision
A mistake waiting to happen
Is Hendrick Motorsports' holiday cheer and on-track dominance enough to make them the best team in NASCAR?
Absolutely, they're unmatched
They're good, but not the best
It's all about the holiday hype
Not sure
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Do you believe NASCAR's alleged monopolistic practices are stifling competition in stock car racing?
Absolutely, it's a monopoly
No, it's just business
It's complicated
Not sure
Do you believe Michael Jordan's fight against NASCAR's 'monopolistic bullying' is a stand for justice or just business frustration?
It's a stand for justice
Just business frustration
Both
Not sure
Do you believe Brad Keselowski can restore Stewart-Haas Racing's former glory?
Absolutely, he's the right man for the job
No, it's a lost cause
Maybe, but it will take time
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
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Revealing the reason behind expanding to three cars and justifying Ryan Preece’s appointment, Brad Keselowski candidly said, “Having three teams gives us more data. Helps us be better with how we spend our money. It just helps us be a more solid company. It helps us grow our people and provide the right resources for you to be successful. This is a big move for us. I think it’s a clear statement that we’re serious about the sport for a long time to come and that we’re committed to competing for wins and hopefully championships for years to come”
Signing a struggling, yet talented Ryan Preece could be a gamble which may pay off. In his final year at Stewart-Haas Racing, the racing driver secured just one top-five finish in 36 races, albeit in difficult circumstances and limited resources. Joining a team such as RFK Racing, with championship experience of Keselowski by his side, could prove to be exactly the impetus he needs to regain his form and love for racing at NASCAR’s highest level. By being given the right equipment, could Preece fulfill his untapped potential?
“I think it’s a clear statement that we’re serious about the sport for a long time to come” 😤@keselowski shared his perspective on what a third full-time entry means for our organization. pic.twitter.com/eTc0inFdMu
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 4, 2024
Highlighting the difficult set of circumstances Preece has been forced to overcome, Brad Keselowski said, “I see Ryan as someone who has talent and work ethic but probably hasn’t had the opportunities he needs to be successful.” Getting backed by the team’s co-owner will be an encouraging sign for the 34-year-old racing driver, who will hope to hit the ground running when the 2025 season begins at Daytona International Speedway. The Connecticut native will want to secure good results early to ease the pressure while proving his doubters wrong going into his sixth full-time Cup Series season.
Ryan Preece is handed a NASCAR lifeline by RFK Racing
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The stakes are higher than ever for Ryan Preece. He was the last Stewart-Haas Racing driver to secure a seat for 2025, and will now need to adapt to RFK Racing’s higher standards and increased scrutiny. If he succeeds, the driver will change his narrative in the Cup Series while failure will just prove his critics right, ending his hopes of having a long-term future at NASCAR’s highest level. As Preece heads into the 2025 season, fans and enthusiasts, including those who follow the sport closely, can track his journey through top online betting sites to see if he can turn his fortunes around.
Sharing his expectations for the 2025 campaign, Preece candidly said, “It’s (an opportunity) that I’m really eager and excited for. It’s somewhere that these guys had speed last year. I mean, you look at how many weeks in a row that Brad and Chris finished top two or top three and had some extremely good stats and found Victory Lane. So for me, it’s a great opportunity, one that’s filled with pressure. But I think if you’ve looked at my career in those pressure-type situations, I’ve succeeded. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Looking at RFK Racing in 2024, Brad Keselowski qualified for the playoffs after picking up one win in the regular season race in May at Darlington Raceway. Unfortunately for the RFK duo, Buescher narrowly missed out on the playoffs by just six points after Chase Briscoe secured the victory at the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in September during the final regular season race. Buescher entered the final race with a healthy lead of 21 points but a new driver emerging victorious saw his playoff spot disappear as he had no regular season wins. However, this does show that RFK had two playoff-worthy cars which would be encouraging signs for Preece.
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With two wins each in the Xfinity and Truck Series, could RFK Racing finally help Ryan Preece open his account in the Cup Series as well? Time will tell. However, the signs are encouraging for the 34-year-old racing driver, as his new team has secured consistent top-three finishes and trips to Victory Lane in 2024. Expanding to a third car is an indication of his new employers’ growing ambition, one that the Connecticut native will want to make the most of for his career resurgence.
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Is RFK Racing's gamble on Ryan Preece a stroke of genius or a recipe for disaster?
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