Ryan Preece has ignited intense discussion throughout the NASCAR community after unveiling his uncompromising “middle finger” policy toward excuses in racing. Appearing recently on Jeff Gluck’s renowned 12 Questions series for the Athletic, the 34-year-old Connecticut native openly criticized the widespread justification of drivers at the highest level relying on claims of “learning.” Preece’s message was clear: at the national level, racers should have already mastered their craft, and he refused to accept what he sees as weak excuses. His stance, coming during his run with Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing in 2025, has fueled new conversations on responsibility and performance in the sport.
Since moving to RFK Racing following the dissolution of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, Ryan Preece has faced mounting pressure to deliver amid fierce competition. His 2025 season has offered moments of promise, such as finishing third at Las Vegas, but also turbulence, including a disqualification in Talladega caused by an illegal rear spoiler. Preece’s record, which now includes three top tens at tracks like Martinsville and Homestead-Miami, demonstrates his resilience, but also the relentless demands placed on drivers at this level.
Preece’s frustration with excuses goes beyond performance issues. He has also become an outspoken advocate for safety improvements after surviving two dangerous airborne wrecks at Daytona in back-to-back seasons. NASCAR removed grass to reduce risks after his 2023 crash, but the following year’s collision with Christopher Bell made it clear to Preece that the underlying aerodynamic flaws still threaten drivers.
There obviously needs to be more attention on aerodynamics,
he urged, pushing NASCAR for more substantial change.
The implications of Ryan Preece’s stance extend beyond one driver’s viewpoint. His candid criticism exposes deeper issues of toughness, preparation, and accountability within NASCAR, both on and off the track. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Preece to see whether his blunt perspective—combined with renewed calls for safety—will push the sport toward stronger standards and safer racing conditions.
