Ryan Preece’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with RFK Racing has taken off with strong performances that highlight both his potential and the collaborative spirit of his new team. Despite a tough setback at Talladega on Sunday, where he was disqualified after a second-place finish due to a spoiler violation, Preece remains optimistic, pointing to team chemistry as a driving force behind his early success. The No. 60 car driver, showcasing Kroger and Celsius on his car, continues to impress fans and analysts alike, keeping himself in the mix for the Cup playoffs as the new season gains momentum.
In a recent interview with On3, Preece detailed the factors contributing to his promising start with RFK Racing. He emphasized the supportive environment among teammates and leadership, crediting Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski for their openness and the team’s willingness to share knowledge. “Everything. When it comes to being teammates with Chris [Buescher] and Brad [Keselowski], their willingness and openness as teammates has been really, really great for me as a driver,” Preece said. He further highlighted the role of Derrick Finley and the veterans of the team, saying, “They’ve really shared a lot of their knowledge, as well as being great teammates. And I feel like all three teams have just been lifting each other up and helping push each other forward. That’s been nice to see.”
The transition to RFK Racing has not only brought Preece into a competitive environment but also reinforced the importance of unity across the organization. “I just feel like the shop environment’s been phenomenal. Even the guys that are here in the shop working and don’t necessarily travel, I feel like they feel a part of it. And that’s something that’s extremely important because you don’t want to just turn these race teams into factories where guys just… They feel like they’re built-in pieces on a race car, not caring about the details that it takes to make speed,” Preece said, emphasizing a sense of inclusion at every level.
Early on, the results showed both ups and downs; after finishing outside the top 15 in three of the first four races, Preece came back with notable showings, securing a P3 finish at Las Vegas, a P9 at Homestead, and a P7 at Martinsville. Although the disqualification at Talladega dealt a blow to his playoff and Cup standings, Preece is still in a solid position, ranking 18th in Cup points and 19th in playoff contention, reflecting the steady progress that RFK Racing and its committed teamwork have produced so far this season.
Driving the No. 60 with energy drink Celsius as part of his paint scheme, Preece also shared a personal insight on staying focused and motivated. “For me, it’s pretty easy just because whenever I feel like I’m going into my shop, I always feel like I need a little something to help me focus anyways and help organize my thoughts and kind of put that list together,” he explained. He went on to say how the drink fits into his routine, “So for me, it’s always nice to go and before I go into the shop or as I’m working, be able to drink one. And you feel intentional, you feel focused, and it’s a nice way to start my time in the shop, especially because I am a morning person.”
Preece’s recent experiences at RFK Racing capture both the pressures and rewards of adapting to a new team at the highest level of stock car competition. The visible camaraderie among teammates and staff is allowing drivers like Preece to dig deeper, overcome setbacks, and remain contenders as the Cup Series continues. As the season moves forward, all eyes are on Preece and RFK Racing to see if their steady, unified approach will lead to more victories and solidify the team’s position as a championship threat. High school fans and seasoned followers alike can watch for how this chemistry-driven effort will shape the future races, with a sense of anticipation that the best could be yet to come.
