Ryan Preece secures career-best finish in Las Vegas, delivering a stunning performance despite early struggles. Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announced its closure in 2024, leaving Preece’s future uncertain. But at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he refused to back down. A key restart changed everything, helping him secure third place—the best finish of his career. As RFK Racing takes notice, questions arise about his next move. Meanwhile, his friendship with Josh Berry adds a lighthearted twist to an intense race weekend.
Key Highlights
- Ryan Preece achieved a career-best third-place finish at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas.
- Preece overcame early race struggles to secure his impressive result.
- The finish highlighted Preece’s ability to capitalize on key race opportunities and lane selection.
- SHR’s impending closure leaves Preece without a 2025 ride, adding uncertainty to his future.
- Preece’s Las Vegas performance caught RFK Racing’s attention, offering a potential future opportunity.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Decline and Ryan Preece’s Struggles
Once a powerhouse in NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has witnessed a notable decline, leaving drivers like Ryan Preece facing an uncertain future.
SHR, under Tony Stewart’s leadership, once enjoyed a golden era, clinching championships in 2011 and 2014. However, recent seasons have not been as kind, with results faltering and the shocking announcement of its closure at the end of 2024. This decision has set its drivers, including Preece, on an anxious quest for new opportunities.
Ryan Preece, known for his resilience, has struggled in the 2024 season under SHR’s banner. The challenging year saw him record more DNFs (Did Not Finish) than top-5 placements, highlighting the team’s waning performance.
Nevertheless, Preece’s resolve remains intact as he navigates the uncertainties of his racing career. While SHR’s legacy dims, Preece is keen on proving his worth, hoping for a renaissance in his racing path.
Ryan Preece’s Race at Las Vegas and Career-Best Finish
Ryan Preece, amidst the uncertainties surrounding Stewart-Haas Racing’s future, delivered a standout performance at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas, achieving his career-best finish.
Faced with challenges early in the race, Preece struggled to gain momentum and wrestled with difficult restarts. Yet, a crucial moment arrived at the end of Stage 2 when a key restart allowed him to leap from 20th to 11th place, setting the stage for his eventual third-place finish.
Ryan Preece entered Vegas feeling he had a chance at a strong finish. He was right. He finished third. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/d67mxUymGT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 17, 2025
Preece reflected on the race’s turning point during his post-race interview, admitting, “The initial half of the race seemed like whatever lane I picked didn’t go my way.”
“At the end of Stage 2 on that last restart I went from 20th to 11th and then we just never lost track position from there on out.” – Ryan Preece
However, he capitalized on the late-stage opportunity, maintaining his position for the remainder of the race. This performance marked not only his best finish of the 2025 season but also his career-best in the Cup series, reinforcing his resolve and skill under strain.
Ryan Preece’s Uncertain Future and RFK Racing Opportunity
Faced with a future clouded by uncertainty, Ryan Preece found himself at a crossroads after Stewart-Haas Racing decided to exit NASCAR by the end of 2024. This unexpected decision left Preece without a confirmed ride for the 2025 season, an intimidating prospect for any driver looking to solidify their career in the competitive world of NASCAR.
However, his fortunes took a positive turn when RFK Racing extended an opportunity for him to drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse full-time.
Preece’s recent performance in Las Vegas, where he achieved a career-best finish, certainly caught the eye of RFK Racing. His gratitude for the team’s execution and tactical calls was palpable, as he acknowledged the importance of teamwork and precision.
“Grateful for a great day of execution, great calls, and executing on restarts. That’s what matters,” he reflected.
Ryan Preece’s Bond with Josh Berry and a Friendly Bet
Amidst the excitement of NASCAR, a strong bond has formed between Ryan Preece and fellow driver Josh Berry, adding a layer of fellowship to the competitive atmosphere.
Their friendship was emphasized by a friendly bet they made before the season. Both drivers agreed that if either of them secured a victory, they would celebrate by sharing a beer, despite Preece’s New Year’s resolution to steer clear of alcohol. Preece acknowledged that Berry’s breakthrough win at Las Vegas might tempt him to bend his own rules.
“We said to each other before the season started that if he won or I won, we’re going to go drinking beer with each other.” – Ryan Preece
Josh Berry’s Triumph and Wood Brothers Racing’s Resurgence
While Ryan Preece celebrated a personal milestone in Las Vegas, Josh Berry was busy making history with Wood Brothers Racing. Berry demonstrated remarkable skill by fending off competitors like Joey Logano and Daniel Suarez, leading Wood Brothers Racing to their 101st Cup Series victory. His win marked only the next victory since Ryan Blaney’s 2017 Pocono success, suggesting potential resurgence by 2025.
“Vegas has been so good to me. I’ve had so many great moments here… This entire 21 team, everyone at Wood Brothers Racing, provided me with a fantastic car today. They (Team Penske) welcomed me with open arms and tried to accelerate my learning process as much as possible.” – Josh Berry
Berry’s ascent is a reflection of perseverance. After honing his skills in late models, he seized opportunities with JR Motorsports, becoming a standout in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His consistent performances earned him a full-time NASCAR Cup ride with Wood Brothers Racing in 2025, a team with a rich yet recently subdued legacy.
News in Brief: Ryan Preece Secures Career-Best Finish in Las Vegas
Ryan Preece’s impressive performance in Las Vegas marked an important milestone in his career, proving critics wrong and showcasing his potential. Amid Stewart-Haas Racing’s struggles, Preece seized the moment, potentially paving the way for future opportunities with teams like RFK Racing.
His friendship with Josh Berry, highlighted by their friendly bet, adds a spirited dynamic to the racing scene. Berry’s success with Wood Brothers Racing further emphasizes the ever-changing landscape of NASCAR, where perseverance and talent can reshape careers.
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