With new drivers coming to the sport, old veterans see it as an opportunity to teach them a few things about the trade. Hence, they offer advice as mentors or support a driver whose style resonates with them. After Zilisch’s rough debut at the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas on March 2, 2025, Kyle Busch turned from competitor to mentor, giving valuable advice to the prodigy. Another veteran driver who retired in 2023 is also looking forward to sharing some tips and motivating a newbie!

Ryan Newman is a true throwback in modern motorsports. He’s tough, relentless, and endlessly competitive. Nicknamed “Rocket Man” for his qualifying prowess, he made a name by pairing brainy engineering skills with old-school racing grit. Even after stepping away from full-time Cup racing, Newman’s love for the track hasn’t slowed. Whether it’s modifieds, late models, or anything in between, he’s still chasing the thrill of competition. During the Talladega weekend, in a conversation soaked with racing wisdom, Newman let his admiration shine for a rising grassroots star. Well, at this point, let’s just say he’s a young driver from Brad Keselowski’s camp making serious waves.

Ryan Newman’s belief in grassroots talent

Ryan Newman’s love for racing has never wavered. Whether it’s open-wheel cars, stock cars, or late models, he simply can’t stay away. “I love racing,” Newman said at Talladega. “Whatever the schedule fits, and the opportunity works, sign me up,” he further added. Even after leaving full-time NASCAR, Newman’s passion for competition remains as fierce as ever. After competing full-time in the Cup Series from 2000 to 2023, Newman shifted focus to part-time rides and other racing ventures.

In 2025, Ryan Newman has shifted his focus to grassroots racing, competing full time in the SMART Modified Tour and making his CARS Tour late model stock debut. He claimed his fourth SMART Modified Tour win at Orange County Speedway’s “Rumble in Rougemont” and finished 14th in his first CARS Tour start. The results demonstrate his adaptability and continued passion for short-track competition. The man’s still got it!

In the middle of his reflections, Newman lit up while mentioning Ryan Preece. “I was a pro-Ryan Preece guy back when we were racing modified at Loudon,” he shared. Preece, like Newman, built his reputation in the trenches of grassroots racing. Winning the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour championship, Preece showcased early that he wasn’t just a local star but a future Xfinity and Cup Series talent.

However, Preece wouldn’t have achieved his current success in NASCAR if not for his mentor, Brad Keselowski. The man has played a pivotal role in Preece’s continued rise within NASCAR. Keselowski provided both opportunity and mentorship at a crucial point in Preece’s career. After a challenging stint with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, Preece found himself facing uncertainty about his future in the Cup Series. Keselowski, recognizing Preece’s talent and relentless work ethic, brought him into RFK Racing for the 2025 season, handing him the keys to the new No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

Keselowski has been vocal about his belief in Preece’s potential, drawing parallels to Joey Logano’s early struggles before finding the right environment to thrive. “I see Ryan, I see someone who has talent. He has work ethic and probably hasn’t been in the opportunities he needs to be in to be successful.”

Newman echoed that sentiment: “He’s proved that I wasn’t wrong as well as several other people,” he said. For Newman, seeing Preece break through against the odds is personal validation. It highlights the value of perseverance and the importance of recognizing raw talent even when the path isn’t easy or conventional.

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Ryan Preece eyeing a strong run at Jack Link’s 500

Ryan Preece is set to start fourth in the 2025 Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, sharing the second row with teammate Joey Logano. Both drivers posted identical qualifying times of 52.700 seconds, showcasing RFK Racing’s speed at the 2.66-mile high-banked oval. Preece’s strong qualifying effort positions him well for a competitive race on one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable tracks.

Talladega has been a solid venue for Preece throughout his career. The upcoming race marks his 11th Cup Series start at the Alabama superspeedway. Here, he boasts three top-10 finishes, including a career-best third place in 2019 during his Cup debut at the track. His average finish of 18.3 at Talladega is among his best across all circuits, reflecting his comfort and skill in the intense pack racing environment unique to superspeedways.

Reflecting on his recent form, Preece matched his career-best third-place finish earlier this season at Las Vegas, demonstrating his growing momentum in the Cup Series. At Talladega, he has consistently shown an ability to avoid wrecks and capitalize on late-race opportunities. This is a crucial skill at a track known for its high-speed chaos and frequent multi-car incidents.

As the green flag drops on Sunday, fans will be watching closely. Can Ryan Preece leverage his qualifying speed and past Talladega experience to secure his first Cup Series victory at the Alabama superspeedway?