Ryan Preece compares heart-stopping crash of Daytona to his 2023 wreck, revealing shocking details about the terrifying experience. In the 2025 Daytona 500, his car went airborne, making the crash even worse than the one in 2023. As Preece reflects on the chaos, he opens up about the emotional toll of the incident and how thoughts of his newborn daughter, Rebecca Marie, shaped his response to the life-threatening moment. The danger he faced brings attention to ongoing safety concerns and changes in his priorities.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Preece’s crash at the 2025 Daytona 500 involved his car becoming airborne, which he found more terrifying than his 2023 wreck.
- The emotional toll from the Daytona incident was described by Preece as worse than the previous crash at the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400.
- Preece experienced confusion and fear during the airborne moment, questioning how the crash mechanics led to such an event.
- Family responsibilities weighed heavily on Preece, particularly thoughts of his newborn daughter, Rebecca Marie, during the crash.
- Preece emphasized continuous improvement in NASCAR safety protocols following the severe impacts experienced in both crashes.
Ryan Preece’s Crash During the Daytona 500
In a harrowing sequence of events during the 2025 Daytona 500, Ryan Preece found himself at the center of a disastrous crash that highlighted the inherent dangers of NASCAR.
On Lap 197, Preece’s No. 60 Ford was struck on the right side, instigating a multi-car wreck involving several competitors, particularly initiated by Christopher Bell. This collision caused Preece’s vehicle to become airborne, momentarily balancing on its rear wheels before flipping onto its roof and rolling back onto its wheels after colliding with the outside wall.
The Daytona safety protocols were called into question as fans reacted with a mix of horror and concern. Crash analysis from experts emphasized the need for stringent racing regulations to protect drivers, while responses from fellow competitors highlighted the race’s perilous nature.
Preece’s Comparison to 2023 Crash
Ryan Preece’s reflections on his recent Daytona 500 crash reveal a striking comparison to a similar incident he endured during the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400, where the inherent risks of NASCAR racing were prominently highlighted.
“Cars lifting off the ground like that, like I mean that felt honestly worse than Daytona in ’23.” – (Preece)
Preece stated that the emotional toll and crash impact felt “honestly worse than Daytona in ’23,” emphasizing the gravity of his experiences. His resilience in facing these harrowing moments speaks volumes about driver safety advancements that are continually evolving, yet the unpredictable nature of racing remains.
“Everything about it. I mean everything about the airborne, heading towards the fence. I mean it’s just, it’s not a good place to be in so…honestly with a hit like that, a head-on impact, I don’t really think should have gone airborne right?” – (Preece)
Ryan Preece frustrated but Ok after scary wreck. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/9sgdd1QFUr
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 17, 2025
| Crash Event | Key Aspects |
|---|---|
| 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 | Car flipped, hospitalization |
| Daytona 500 Crash | Airborne moment, severe impact |
| Emotional Toll | Heightened anxiety, fear |
| Safety Advancements | Improved car structures, technology |
Preece Reflects on the Experience
Describing the harrowing experience of his car going airborne during the Daytona 500, Preece conveyed a mixture of fear and disbelief that resonated deeply with the inherent dangers of NASCAR racing. He expressed confusion regarding the mechanics behind such a disastrous event, especially after a head-on impact.
“But you know when the car took off like that and I got real quiet, all I thought about was my daughter. So I’m lucky to walk away.” – (preece)
"When the car took off like that, it got real quiet and all I thought about was my daughter." 🙏
–@RyanPreece_ after a scary moment where his car flipped in the final laps of the #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/4xGrNY22jX
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 17, 2025
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the crash, he stated, “I’m lucky to walk away.” Preece highlighted several crucial factors that contribute to driver safety:
- Improved safety measures in car design
- Rigorous driver training programs
- Advancements in racing technology
- Shifts in public perception regarding crash safety
Thoughts on Family During the Crash
The emotional weight of family responsibilities can profoundly affect a driver during an intense moment, as evidenced by Preece’s reflections on the Daytona 500 crash.
As his car soared through the air, his thoughts were consumed by his newborn daughter, Rebecca Marie, whose well-being became paramount. This fatherhood impact transformed Preece’s racing priorities, emphasizing family safety above all else.
His personal reflections reveal a deepened emotional resilience; the terrifying experience prompted a profound shift in his perspective on risk. In the face of danger, the instinct to protect one’s family resonates powerfully, highlighting the intricate relationship between racing and personal commitments.
The crash ignited a profound shift in Preece’s view on risk, revealing how deeply family commitments shape a racer’s instincts.
Preece’s Support for His Daughter’s Future
Support for a child’s aspirations can often reflect a parent’s experiences and values, shaping the way they approach critical life decisions. Ryan Preece has voiced his commitment to supporting his daughter, Rebecca Marie, should she choose to pursue racing, yet he emphasizes the importance of her autonomy.
This perspective aligns with effective parental guidance, recognizing the complexities of such a demanding sport. Preece outlines his stance with clarity, highlighting four key aspects:
- Acknowledgment of racing aspirations.
- Respect for his daughter’s choice.
- Recognition of the sport’s physical and mental toll.
- Assurance of a strong support system.
News in Brief: Ryan Preece Compares Heart-Stopping Crash
Ryan Preece’s reflections on his harrowing crashes highlight the profound psychological impact of racing accidents, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll they exact on drivers. By comparing his experiences from the Daytona 500 and his 2023 wreck, Preece reveals the lingering fear and anxiety that accompany such life-threatening moments.
His thoughts on family during these incidents emphasize the deep connections that drive athletes to persevere, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, ultimately shaping their futures and decisions.
ALSO READ: “I’ve Never Seen a Car Do That!” – Ryan Preece’s Terrifying Daytona Crash Shocks NASCAR Fans
