The aftermath of the NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro saw Kevin Harvick openly criticizing Ryan Preece for his costly mistake, which led to Preece missing out on the All-Star Race. The incident has drawn attention not just for the misstep, but for Harvick’s candid commentary on the situation, highlighting the ongoing conversation about driver responsibility and emotion in the sport. Kevin Harvick comments on All-Star Race controversy, focusing sharply on Preece’s actions.
Preece’s Misstep Costs Main Event Slot
During the All-Star Open, Ryan Preece was running second when a choose cone violation sidelined his chance of joining the main event that weekend. The error proved crucial, abruptly ending his hopes of advancing and competing for the lucrative prize. Frustrated after the race, Preece responded by placing a real traffic cone on the inside wall at North Wilkesboro, earning cheers from fans but also making his frustration evident to everyone on hand.
Harvick’s Critical Response
Kevin Harvick addressed the controversy on his “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” show, offering strong opinions on Preece’s reaction and responsibility. He noted the intense feelings among drivers during the weekend and specifically called out Preece’s conduct and the ultimate outcome of the race.
“When you look at some of the things that happened this weekend, we had a few guys that were fired up at each other. Preece was fired up after the [All-Star] Open,”
Harvick stated. “He went and found a cone and set it up on the wall, for that restart box that he missed and made the two times before. The drivers and their emotion? That’s what we want to see. We want to see that emotion.
Harvick continued by emphasizing his belief in Preece’s potential, expressing surprise that the No. 60 Ford did not capitalize on the opportunity. According to Harvick, Preece had the strongest car in the field and should have secured his place in the All-Star Race without error. Nonetheless, Harvick insisted that ultimate responsibility falls on the driver for positioning the car correctly and not making mistakes at critical moments.
Preece Defends His Actions, Harvick Doubles Down
Preece, for his part, attributed the mistake partly to visibility issues, claiming he could not see the choose cone because of rubber buildup on the track. However, Harvick dismissed this justification, stating that even when circumstances present challenges, the onus remains on the driver to avoid errors that could jeopardize an otherwise strong performance.
“Look atBrad [Keselowski]losing the lead there on the restart, that was his only chance. All these guys know you’re there to win, you’re there to be in the show. You’re there to win, and there’s a million dollars on the line. I love to see the emotion.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former Cup Series Champion
Preece’s Future with RFK Racing
Despite the setback at North Wilkesboro, Ryan Preece has been drawing attention through the 2025 NASCAR season. Although still seeking his first win since joining the RFK Racing Ford squad, his consistent performances near the front suggest that a breakthrough victory for the team could be on the horizon. Many within the garage acknowledge that Preece’s overall progress with the three-car team points to a bright future, provided he can eliminate high-profile errors like the one that kept him out of the All-Star Race.
Significance for the Cup Series Season
This episode serves as a reminder of the intense competition and emotional energy at play in NASCAR’s most important events. High-profile comments like Kevin Harvick’s underscore the expectation that Cup Series drivers own up to mistakes, especially when millions of dollars and significant prestige are on the line. The ongoing development of both Preece and his RFK Racing team will be closely watched as they chase redemption and a first victory together in the challenging 2025 season.
