Ryan Preece’s success and growth at RFK Racing during the 2025 NASCAR season has been a standout storyline, as the Connecticut native has finally found the right environment to showcase his talent. Competing with renewed momentum, Preece is making headlines in Nashville thanks to support from his teammates and team owner Brad Keselowski, who both play vital roles in his recent surge.
Widely respected for his moderate racing accomplishments, especially in modifieds, Ryan Preece persevered through part-time stints in the Truck and Xfinity Series, gaining recognition within the larger NASCAR community. Unlike his prior struggles in the Cup Series, Preece’s time with RFK Racing is proving to be the opportunity he needed to fully realize his racing potential.
How Team Guidance Helped Foster Preece’s Turnaround
In a media session held in Nashville, Brad Keselowski publicly acknowledged the progress Ryan Preece has made since joining RFK Racing, highlighting the changes seen throughout the current season. Responding to the praise and discussing his current standing, Preece commented candidly about the challenges and the effect of Keselowski’s mentorship:
“You know where we are is even with a 40-point hit at Talladega,”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Despite setbacks, such as a notable points penalty at Talladega, Preece remains optimistic due to the positive team culture and collaborative spirit at RFK Racing. He explained further the impact of consistent support and dialogue with Keselowski:
“So, yeah, I like to, I sat down with Brad a couple of weeks ago, and just, he’s been somebody that’s been really good to talk to about maybe some challenges that I have, or maybe some of the prep work, or how he goes about things. So, that’s been, that’s been really good to be a part of and have that. I feel like we’re one thing away from clicking where we can start winning races, start leading laps, start showing what we’re capable of.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
After difficult stints with teams such as Stewart-Haas Racing, the environment at RFK Racing appears to provide exactly what Preece has been seeking: stability, camaraderie, and valuable leadership. He is now positioned among the top competitors in the standings with a strong shot at advancing further.
Building Bonds With Key Teammates
Preece’s ascent is closely tied to the relationships developed within his team, particularly with Chris Buescher, a longstanding friend and ally from their days at JTG Daugherty Racing. The team-oriented atmosphere has contributed significantly to his consistent performance and increased confidence on the track. As he reflected on this dynamic, Preece noted:
“Chris and I have always had a good relationship when we were at JTG,”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
He further elaborated on the stability these relationships provide and the role Buescher has played as a mentor and confidant in the often-competitive garage. Even before joining RFK Racing, Preece looked to Buescher as a model for professional growth and adaptability. He added:
“Then you know, on top of that Brad, he’s just been somebody that, really, as far as not only as a teammate, but also as a, as an owner, he’s been really great to have his perspective but also the knowledge that he has or racing, the knowledge he has for race cars – what he wants out of RFK and the team. You know, it’s just, it’s a great deal to be a part of.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
This culture, fostered by both Keselowski’s business-minded guidance and Buescher’s trackside friendship, has been crucial to Preece’s consistency and self-belief during the 2025 season.
Preece’s Competitive Edge and the Chase for the Playoffs
Through thirteen races in 2025, Ryan Preece has already accumulated five top-10 finishes—matching his achievements from the previous year. Were it not for the loss of a result following a Talladega disqualification, he would have surpassed that personal best. In the current standings, Preece sits 14th, firmly in control of his playoff ambitions despite the pressure of a crowded points bubble. Keselowski’s faith in Preece’s ability to secure a race win serves as additional motivation as the season progresses.
The close bonds within the team and the renewed drive Preece exudes are products of the environment that RFK Racing’s leadership and camaraderie have cultivated. With continued mentorship from both Keselowski and Buescher, Preece’s trajectory remains promising as RFK Racing looks to assert itself in the upper echelon of NASCAR.
As Ryan Preece continues to deliver strong results, his journey with RFK Racing exemplifies how the right combination of teamwork and support can transform a driver’s career. Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Preece as he strives to capitalize on this breakthrough season, with the hope of converting consistent finishes into race victories and a deeper postseason run.
