Ryan Preece fears a tragic outcome after Daytona 500 crash as he reflects on the terrifying moments during the race. The crash, which flipped his car violently, left Ryan Preece shaken and filled with thoughts of his 2-year-old daughter. As a father, the danger of NASCAR racing is never far from his mind. In a raw moment of honesty, Ryan Preece voiced concerns that the sport’s dangerous nature could one day have a tragic result—one he hopes never becomes his story.
Key Highlights
- Brett Griffin expressed concern over the emotional impact of Ryan Preece’s crash during the 2025 Daytona 500.
- Preece’s crash involved a violent multi-car collision, raising safety concerns about NASCAR racing.
- Preece experienced a surreal calm, thinking of his daughter during the high-speed crash.
- Preece’s survival highlighted the need for improved safety measures at superspeedways.
- The community called for enhanced protocols to ensure driver safety after the crash.
Brett Griffin’s Reaction to the Crash
Brett Griffin, a seasoned NASCAR spotter, expressed a deep sense of concern following Ryan Preece’s harrowing crash during the 2025 Daytona 500. The incident, which occurred at the Daytona International Speedway, was eerily reflective of Preece’s 2023 crash.
During the race, Preece’s No. 60 Ford was caught in a multi-car collision, causing it to flip multiple times before coming to a halt. Griffin, who has extensive experience in the sport, conveyed his alarm and empathy via social media, stating that Preece’s reflection on his young daughter during the wreck left him feeling physically ill.
His reaction emphasized the inherent dangers of NASCAR racing, highlighting the emotional toll such incidents can take on those involved. Griffin’s response serves as a jarring reminder of the potential risks drivers face each race, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and the emotional weight carried by those witnessing such events.
When he said he thought about his daughter I legit got nauseated https://t.co/2wYXm2CU9o
— Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) February 17, 2025
Ryan Preece’s Thoughts During the Crash
How does one grapple with the terrifying calm that descends during a high-speed crash? In a post-race reflection, Ryan Preece shared an intimate insight into his mind during those harrowing moments at the Daytona 500.
The terrifying calm during a high-speed crash, a surreal stillness amidst chaos.
As his car careened uncontrollably, Preece described a surreal stillness, likening the sensation to a sheet of plywood caught in a gusty wind. This quietude, however, was pierced by thoughts of his daughter, emphasizing the profound, personal stakes of his near-fatal experience.
“I don’t know if it’s the diffuser or what that makes these cars like a sheet of plywood when you walk out on a windy day, but when the car took off like that and it got real quiet. All I thought about was my daughter. So, I am lucky to walk away.” – Ryan Preece
Preece’s account reveals the glaring reality of racing, where the thrill of speed is shadowed by ever-present danger. His contemplation during the crash speaks volumes about the human element in motorsport—a reminder that behind the helmets are individuals with families and futures.
Ryan Preece’s Daytona 500 Debut with RFK Racing
Ryan Preece made a remarkable career move by debuting with RFK Racing at this year’s Daytona 500, marking a new chapter alongside seasoned figures in the sport. His decision to align with RFK Racing, featuring driver/co-owner Brad Keselowski and teammate Chris Buescher, presented a tactical opportunity, merging his talent with the expertise of a well-established team.
This collaboration aimed to utilize collective experience, potentially enhancing performance in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events. Preece’s integration into RFK Racing was a considerable step, reflecting his ambition to excel at the highest levels of the sport.
The Daytona 500 not only served as a platform for showcasing his driving skills but also highlighted the synergy between him and his new team. This debut was a proof of his adaptability and resolve, as he accepted the challenges and opportunities presented by racing with a team known for its competitive edge in NASCAR.
Ryan Preece’s Crash and Safety Concerns
The Daytona 500, a stage where Ryan Preece’s talents were on full display, took a dramatic turn with a terrifying crash that emphasized considerable safety concerns. With just five laps remaining, Christopher Bell’s spin set off a chain reaction, sending Preece’s car airborne, flipping violently before landing on its wheels. Miraculously, Preece walked away unharmed, but the incident highlighted persistent safety issues at superspeedways.
Preece, reflecting on the event, voiced concerns about the dangers of cars lifting off the ground. With a family to reflect upon, his words resonate deeply with many in the racing community. This was not Preece’s initial encounter with danger at Daytona; a similar crash two years prior sent him to the hospital. Post-crash investigations revealed safety lapses, such as the roof hatch detachment, prompting track adjustments.
“As a father, as a racer, we keep beating on a door hoping for a different result and we know where there’s a problem: at superspeedways. I don’t want to be the example. When it finally does get somebody, I don’t want it to be me.”
“I got a 2-year-old daughter, just like a lot of us; we’ve got families. Something needs to be done because cars lifting off the ground like that.” – Ryan Preece
News in Brief: Ryan Preece Fears a Tragic Outcome After Daytona 500 Crash
Ryan Preece’s harrowing crash at Daytona highlighted the inherent dangers of racing, yet highlighted the effectiveness of modern safety measures. Brett Griffin’s reaction emphasized the shock experienced by the racing community, while Preece’s own reflections revealed his resilience and resolve.
His debut with RFK Racing was overshadowed by safety concerns, but it also reminded everyone of the ongoing need for vigilance in safety advancements. This incident serves as an essential reminder of the risks drivers face and the importance of continual safety improvements.
ALSO READ: Ryan Preece Compares Heart-Stopping Crash of Daytona 500 to His 2023 Wreck: “This Felt Worse”
