Ryan Preece Recalls How Carl Edwards’ Sudden Retirement Pulled Him Back From NASCAR Obscurity
When it comes to the world of NASCAR, drivers often have to fight their way back into the limelight. And for Ryan Preece, his rise back into relevance was triggered by one fateful event – the sudden retirement of Carl Edwards.
Preece, who is currently a driver for JTG Daugherty Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, had his fair share of struggles early on in his career. He had started out strong, winning multiple championships in the Whelen Modified Tour, but his transition to the higher levels of NASCAR was not as smooth as he had hoped.
After a lackluster performance in the Xfinity Series, Preece found himself back home in Connecticut with no intention of returning to NASCAR. But then came the announcement that shook the entire NASCAR community – Carl Edwards was retiring from the sport.
Edwards, who was only 37 at the time, had been one of the top drivers in the Cup Series, racking up 28 wins and multiple championship-contending seasons. His sudden and unexpected retirement sent shockwaves through the racing world, but for Preece, it was a sign of hope.
In an interview with EssentiallySports, Preece revealed that he had been ready to give up on his NASCAR dreams until Edwards’ retirement. He said, “I had no intention of coming back to NASCAR. I had moved back home and was just trying to figure out what my next move would be.”
But when Edwards vacated his seat at Joe Gibbs Racing, it set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to Preece getting a shot at the Cup Series. The team decided to bring in Preece to run the remainder of the Xfinity Series races in 2017, with the possibility of a full-time Cup Series ride the following year.
For Preece, it was a second chance that he didn’t see coming. And he made the most of it, winning his first career Xfinity Series race in his second start with the team. This victory not only marked a turning point in his career but also proved that he belonged in the NASCAR world.
And just as Edwards’ retirement opened the door for Preece, it also opened the door for other drivers. Preece’s success with JGR caught the attention of other teams, and he eventually landed a full-time ride with JTG Daugherty Racing in the Cup Series.
Reflecting on those events, Preece said, “I never really thought I would get a Cup ride. But looking back, I’m grateful for Carl’s retirement because it opened up opportunities for other drivers like myself.”
Preece’s journey back to NASCAR relevance has been a testament to his determination and resilience. He never gave up on his dream, and when the opportunity presented itself, he took full advantage of it. And now, with a full-time Cup Series ride, Preece is determined to make the most of this second chance.
But it’s not just about Preece’s story – it’s also about the impact that Carl Edwards had on the sport. His sudden retirement not only shook up the driver lineup but also paved the way for new talent to emerge. And for that, Preece will forever be grateful.
In the world of NASCAR, drivers often face setbacks and challenges. But as Ryan Preece’s story shows, with determination and a little bit of luck, anything is possible. And for Preece, he has Carl Edwards to thank for giving him another shot at living his dream.
