Ryan Preece NASCAR career uncertainty and RFK Racing opportunity are once again the center of attention in the motorsport world, following Preece’s dramatic disqualification at Talladega Superspeedway. After the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, Preece’s place in the NASCAR Cup Series was at risk until a last-minute lifeline from RFK Racing for the 2025 season reignited his hopes.
A Tumultuous Season and Last-Minute Team Change
The announcement that Stewart-Haas Racing was shutting its doors sent shockwaves through the Cup Series. While several of Preece’s teammates managed to secure contracts with new teams quickly, he was left facing the possibility of unemployment. The uncertainty was finally lifted when RFK Racing offered him a spot for the 2025 season, stepping in at a critical moment to offer him a vital chance to continue his career.
Preece’s Emotions Amid Unfolding Uncertainty
Opening up about the high-pressure scenario and his feelings about the swift deal with RFK Racing, Preece shared,
It’s very satisfying to be with this group (at RFK Racing). We all kind of came together very last minute. Derrick even joked about it, he said, ‘We didn’t pick the team, the team chose us.’
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver.
Mixed Results and Disqualification Drama
Despite struggling throughout his tenure with Stewart-Haas Racing, Preece was given an opportunity to revive his performance with RFK Racing. The early 2025 season featured both challenges and highlights. Notably, Preece survived a dramatic crash at the Daytona 500, and chalked up strong finishes at tracks like Las Vegas, Homestead-Miami, Martinsville, Kansas, and Charlotte, propelling him into 14th in the Cup Series point standings and placing him within reach of a playoff appearance.
However, his upward trend was abruptly interrupted at Talladega Superspeedway. After appearing to clinch his second podium finish of the season, officials disqualified Preece for a technical infraction, erasing his career-best second-place result and dropping him to 38th in the race standings. The incident left both fans and commentators reeling, casting a shadow over his ongoing fight for NASCAR relevance.
RFK Racing Responds and the Road Ahead
RFK Racing accepted responsibility for the rules violation, deciding not to contest NASCAR’s decision. Instead, the team is focusing on upcoming races as an opportunity for redemption. Looking forward, Preece is channeling his determination towards a comeback at Nashville Superspeedway. As scrutiny on his journey intensifies, Preece’s ability to capitalize on RFK Racing’s support could shape both his immediate season and the outlook for the rest of his career in the Cup Series.
