When Stewart-Haas Racing wrapped up its season finale in Phoenix, the mood was a mix of closure and farewells. Fans were emotional, but that sentiment took a different turn on social media when a farewell video from SHR raised eyebrows. As the video showcased drivers Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe, and Noah Gragson in a final send-off scene, fans quickly noticed one glaring absence: Ryan Preece.

It didn’t take long for speculation to ignite online, with rumors swirling about Preece’s relationships within the team and possibly behind-the-scenes drama. Fans openly questioned SHR’s choice, suspecting something deeper at play between Preece and his teammates. But even as the internet started flooding with theories and finger-pointing, both Preece and Berry stepped in to set the record straight.

Ryan Preece explains why he missed out on the tribute lap to Tony Stewart

In a world where silence is often taken as confirmation, Ryan Preece and his teammate Josh Berry weren’t about to let assumptions run wild. After the video’s release, Berry addressed the rumors directly on X (formerly Twitter), where he clarified the simple reason behind the cool-down lap confusion. He explained that when Eddie, a team spotter, mentioned the idea of lining up after the race, Berry thought it might have been suggested by higher-ups.

Josh Berry took to X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air, brushing aside any notions of conflict. “There’s really nothing to this,” Berry stated. “Ryan and I are good friends. Eddie [the crew chief] mentioned them lining up, so I thought there may have been direction from a higher power. We ride side by side for 50 ft and stop and back up because no one wanted to be in the championship celebration.” His words gave fans a glimpse of the reality behind the scenes.

Ryan Preece himself chimed in, amplifying Berry’s post with a simple acknowledgment: “👆🏻this.” It was clear the two had no bad blood, and Berry’s blunt approach made it even more apparent. His response was a reminder that, despite the fierce competition on the track, genuine friendships still thrive among drivers, even amidst a high-stakes, often pressure-filled environment. However fans did not think that way.

Adding context to the fan’s frustration, this wasn’t the first time Ryan Preece had been overlooked in team activities. Earlier in the season, there had been a similar situation when Preece revealed on social media that he hadn’t been invited to a “study group” with the other SHR drivers. The study sessions, which focused on improving data analysis and speed strategies, had left Ryan Preece out, as he found out only when a reporter’s post brought it to light. The oversight, combined with this latest video absence, fueled the perception that Preece was being excluded—whether intentionally or not.

Given the online buzz, it was refreshing to see Preece openly address his position within SHR. His quick response not only showcased his willingness to speak up but also highlighted a broader issue within SHR’s team culture. While Josh Berry’s post helped ease suspicions, Ryan Preece’s statement confirmed there was no bad blood on his end, signaling a hopeful outlook as he anticipates a fresh start with RFK Racing in 2025.

For SHR, however, the incident was a reminder of the power of perception. In an organization where camaraderie and unity are often emphasized, fans are sensitive to any sign that might indicate friction among teammates. As the team moves into a new season with roster changes and fresh challenges, Stewart-Haas Racing’s approach to team unity will likely remain in the spotlight.

With Ryan Preece ready to move on, both he and SHR appear set on leaving any misunderstandings in the past. His confident clapback on social media was more than just a rebuttal; it was a reminder that sometimes, a simple explanation can put the wildest of rumors to rest. And as Preece embarks on his journey with a new team, he leaves behind a season of lessons learned, both on the track and online.

Tony Stewart and Gene Haas’ team closing statements

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As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season wrapped up, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas reflected on the end of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) with a mix of pride and nostalgia. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Stewart expressed just how far the team had come, saying, “When you think of how it started and where it ended up at the end of the day, I mean we did some pretty remarkable things as a group. We had some great people that just cared about winning races.”

Gene Haas, who founded the team in 2002, also looked back with gratitude. Reflecting on SHR’s evolution from a one-car to a two-car team before ultimately returning to a single-car operation, Haas said, “It was a heck of a ride with Tony. I can’t look back and say I regret any part of it. It was fun. It would have been nice to continue, but it just didn’t work out that way.” The decision to close SHR wasn’t easy for either of them, as they acknowledged in their joint statement earlier in the year.

As Haas prepares to continue with the Haas Factory Team, both the team owners made it clear that while their time together at SHR had come to an end. The legacy of their achievements and the culture they built would always stand as a testament to what they accomplished in the NASCAR world. We wish both of them good luck for their future endeavors and hope to see them achieve more in the world of Motorsports.

That being said, what is your goodbye message for Stewart Haas Racing? Drop the message in the comments below.