Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Ryan Preece Recalls the Win That Changed Everything—and the Call That Cemented His NASCAR Future

Ryan Preece’s NASCAR climb has been nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in the Connecticut Modified racing scene to his current position as a rising star in the NASCAR Cup Series, Preece’s journey has been fueled by grit and well-timed risks. Each step of the way, he has taken on bigger challenges and seized opportunities that have propelled him to the top of the racing world.

Preece’s love for racing began at a young age, growing up in Berlin, Connecticut. He started racing go-karts at the age of six and quickly developed a passion for the sport. As he got older, Preece moved on to the local Modified racing scene, where he honed his skills and gained a reputation as a talented and fearless driver.

But it wasn’t until 2013 that Preece’s career took a major turn. He made the bold decision to leave the comfort of his home track and take a chance on the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It was a risky move, but one that would ultimately pay off in a big way.

Preece’s first Xfinity race was at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and he made an immediate impact. Despite starting at the back of the pack, he quickly worked his way through the field and finished an impressive fifth. It was a sign of things to come for the young driver.

Over the next few years, Preece continued to make sporadic starts in the Xfinity Series while also competing in the Modifieds. But it wasn’t until 2018 that he got his big break. He was offered a full-time ride with Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the top teams in the Xfinity Series.

Preece didn’t disappoint. In his first full season in the Xfinity Series, he captured his first win at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was a breakthrough moment for Preece, who had been working tirelessly to make a name for himself in the racing world. The win not only solidified his place as a top driver in the Xfinity Series but also caught the attention of NASCAR’s top teams.

And it wasn’t long before Preece got the call he had been waiting for. In 2019, he was offered a ride with JTG Daugherty Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. It was a dream come true for Preece, who had been working towards this moment his entire career.

But it wasn’t an easy transition. Preece had to adjust to the faster and more competitive Cup Series, and he faced his fair share of challenges in his rookie season. However, he never lost sight of his ultimate goal – to win races and compete for championships at the highest level of NASCAR.

And in 2020, Preece’s hard work and determination paid off. He captured his first top-five finish in the Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway, and followed it up with another top-five finish at Daytona International Speedway. These strong performances solidified Preece’s place as a rising star in the Cup Series and proved that he belonged among the best drivers in the world.

But perhaps the most significant moment of Preece’s career came in 2021 at the Daytona Road Course. After a strong run throughout the race, Preece found himself in the lead with just a few laps to go. It was a position he had dreamed of his entire life – leading a NASCAR Cup Series race. And he didn’t let the opportunity slip away. Preece held off a hard-charging field to capture his first Cup Series win, a moment he will never forget.

Reflecting on his journey, Preece credits his success to his willingness to take risks and seize opportunities. He has never been afraid to step out of his comfort zone and try something new, and it has paid off in a big way. But he also recognizes the importance of timing and being in the right place at the right time. Preece’s rise to the top of NASCAR is a testament to his determination, hard work, and unwavering belief in himself.

As Preece continues to make his mark in the NASCAR Cup Series, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the support of his family, friends, and fans. He is a true inspiration to aspiring racers and serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

In conclusion, Ryan Preece’s journey to the top of NASCAR has been nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings

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