In a harrowing turn of events, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece found himself in yet another dangerous situation at Daytona International Speedway, raising urgent concerns about driver safety within the sport. Over the past three years, Preece has endured two alarming airborne crashes, both occurring at Daytona—once in 2023 with Stewart-Haas Racing and the most recent incident while driving for Brad Keselowski‘s RFK Racing in 2025. These incidents have ignited discussions among drivers and team owners about the need for improved safety measures on superspeedways.
Although Preece’s aerial flips have yet to occur at the Talladega Superspeedway, the possibility remains that the unpredictable nature of racing could lead to more crashes. In light of these alarming events, team owner Brad Keselowski expressed dissatisfaction with the current safety protocols, emphasizing the immense responsibility that NASCAR has in preventing fatal accidents. “Nothing can stop a car from crashing,” Keselowski noted, “but the main priority is to protect the driver and the people around them.”
Many racing fans remember the tragic events of 2001, when Dale Earnhardt’s fatal incident sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, making it clear that safety enhancements are non-negotiable. As discussions about how to improve driver safety continue, incidents like Preece’s recent crash serve as crucial reminders of the inherent dangers of racing.
Brad Keselowski elaborated on the ongoing efforts to address safety concerns when he spoke to reporter Kelly Crandall. “RFK was part of the test at Michigan probably three or four weeks ago, where we explored different options to help the cars at tracks at very high speed,” he said. “Unfortunately, the options didn’t pan out, so it wasn’t a surprise that there weren’t any changes.” Keselowski acknowledged that while efforts had been made, not every strategy proves successful, and it may be time to rethink the approach to safety in NASCAR.
This past testing at Michigan represented a pivotal step forward, as it is a superspeedway similar to both Daytona and Talladega. However, Keselowski revealed that the results were disappointing, indicating that NASCAR would need to revisit its strategies from scratch. “There’s very much a back to the drawing board mentality,” he added, emphasizing that while change is necessary, they won’t skip races simply because a solution remains elusive.
As tensions rise among drivers regarding safety, Preece has articulated the gravity of the situation. “I don’t want to be the example. I don’t want it to be me,” he stated, expressing personal stakes as he approaches fatherhood. The emotional weight of these words echoes the concerns shared across the racing community, reminding everyone that races involve real human lives and that safety must be the priority.
While Keselowski advocates for safety advancements, he himself faces challenges on the racefront. In the opening nine races of the current season, the seasoned driver has only recorded two top-15 finishes, indicating that he has also been having a rough time behind the wheel. When asked about his performance, Keselowski said, “I’m not panicking yet. It’s been bad, no doubt about it, but I’m giving it until Nashville for him and Bullins to figure it out.” His determination to see improvement indicates a steadfast commitment to both his team and the sport.
Brad Keselowski’s professional demeanor shines through as he navigates these turbulent times, but the reality of competing at NASCAR’s top levels can be intensely challenging. As he races toward the upcoming Talladega event, he remains hopeful that both he and his fellow competitors can leverage their experiences on the track for the betterment of safety. “It’s definitely not my best start. We’ve shown glimpses. But all those pieces—pit road, mechanics, engineers—they’ve got to come together,” he reflected.
Talladega serves as not just another race but also a critical opportunity to introduce new strategies and techniques aimed at enhancing driver safety. The unique racing environment at this famed track, where speeds eclipse 190 miles per hour amid tense competition, heightens the stakes for both Keselowski and others on the circuit. “The days I feel the worst about are the ones where we don’t crash and finish outside the top 10. Those are the real losses,” he articulated, exposing the raw realities that drivers must confront on a regular basis.
As NASCAR strives to find ways to enhance safety measures amid ongoing discussions, larger questions loom overhead. Can NASCAR truly ensure driver safety, or are crashes like Preece’s an unavoidable part of the sport? As the drivers speak out, they continue to highlight the urgency of improving safety protocols and sparking necessary changes in the culture surrounding racing.
As we look ahead, the anticipation for solutions remains high, especially for drivers like Ryan Preece, who face exposed risks each time they buckle into the cockpit. The hope is that through collaborative efforts, NASCAR will transform these near misses into a profound commitment to save lives, ensuring that future racing seasons are safer for everyone involved.
In the aftermath of Preece’s shocking crash at Daytona and with Brad Keselowski’s voice in the conversation, the sport stands at a crossroads. Will it heed the urgent call for better safety measures, or will the dangers of racing continue to overshadow the thrilling spectacle? Only time will tell how this pivotal moment shapes the future of NASCAR.
