RFK Racing found itself at the center of controversy during the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro on Sunday, May 18, after a penalty against their driver Ryan Preece led to a last-minute track change and dashed hopes of a full-team showdown. The incident unfolded when Preece, racing the #60 Ford, was penalized for a restart violation as officials stated he failed to pick a lane before entering the restart zone, pushing him to the back of the field and ending his chance to qualify for the Million Dollar Race. NASCAR’s decision came in the heat of the All-Star Open, just 17 laps before the finish, leaving Preece and RFK Racing with frustration and questions about the ruling.
In the aftermath, Preece voiced his disappointment, explaining that he could not see the ‘Choose V’ sign, which was vital for the lane selection process. His comments caught NASCAR’s attention, prompting them to review the incident more closely. The governing body ultimately acknowledged that the ‘Choose V’ sign had to be repainted before the main race, lending some credibility to Preece’s claim and intensifying the RFK Racing controversy further.
The penalty proved decisive, as it prevented Ryan Preece from joining his RFK Racing teammates, Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, in competing for the $1 million prize in the All-Star Race. Instead, Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek seized the top spots in the final, advancing after strong performances in the All-Star Open. The disappointment within RFK Racing was palpable, considering the team’s aspirations and the late change to the track layout that followed the incident.
For Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and former Cup Series champion, there was a moment of triumph as he claimed pole position for the All-Star Race behind the wheel of the #6 Ford. Despite his impressive qualifying effort and the optimism it brought to the team, Keselowski ultimately finished in 22nd place. The race concluded with Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing capturing his fourth win of the season at the historic 0.625-mile short track, while RFK Racing was left contemplating the impact of the controversial penalty.
The fallout from the RFK Racing controversy at North Wilkesboro could influence future NASCAR officiating and discussions around race management. Many in the racing community are awaiting answers, as teams, drivers, and fans consider how pivotal decisions, late-track adjustments, and officiating transparency may shape upcoming events and future rule interpretations in NASCAR’s high-stakes environment.
