Veteran driver Brad Keselowski mentoring Ryan Preece for NASCAR playoffs has become a central storyline this season, as Preece, under Keselowski’s guidance, continues to pursue a coveted spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. As the season intensifies, Preece, who drives for RFK Racing—a team co-owned by Keselowski—is determined to convert his underdog status into a breakthrough moment on the track.
Keselowski’s Experience Fuels Preece’s Ambition
Brad Keselowski, a mainstay in NASCAR since 2004, has shifted his focus toward nurturing the next generation of racers as the latter part of his career unfolds. Among those benefiting from his vast experience is Ryan Preece, a driver now associated with the RFK Racing team. Preece has leaned on Keselowski’s leadership as he aims to secure race victories and improve his overall performance throughout the year.
Despite not yet reaching Victory Lane this season, Preece has maintained a competitive edge with a third-place result at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March marking his best effort so far. Most recently, he finished 15th at the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, steadying his position within the series.
Preece, who has often been seen as an underdog, currently holds 14th place in the Cup Series standings with 354 points, and remains in the hunt for playoff qualification. He has openly discussed the perception of his underdog role and the motivation it provides him to excel.
“What I truly enjoy is being looked at as a true underdog. They didn’t expect me to run well this year; they didn’t expect me to even be in the chase conversation, or even be in the conversation to try and make the playoffs, so I like it, I like being the guy that usually upsets people.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
This confidence and determination come as Preece prepares to compete at the upcoming Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, a race he hopes will secure him a playoff berth and validate the efforts tied to Keselowski’s mentorship.
Friendly Rivalry Between RFK Teammates Intensifies Playoff Drama
Within the RFK Racing stable, the competition for playoff qualification has grown fierce, with Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece locked in a close points chase as the season approaches its final stretch. Buescher holds a slim 19-point lead over Preece, occupying the 13th spot while Preece follows in 14th, as only ten races remain before playoff spots are finalized.
Speculation often accompanies intra-team rivalries, yet both Buescher and Preece maintain that their camaraderie and mutual respect as teammates remain unshaken—despite the growing stakes surrounding playoff advancement.
“We’re not going to act like we’re just racing one car. For us, it’s not going to change our approach. We’ve been able to race each other really respectfully, understanding that we are each other’s only friend out there at a lot of points. I think we’ll continue to have good, hard racing like we have throughout the year,”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing
Preece echoes these views, emphasizing his focus on winning while recognizing the intensity that the playoff chase brings. With the friendship between the two RFK Racing drivers intact, their battle on the track is expected to grow even more compelling as the competition for that final playoff spot heats up.
The Season Ahead: What’s at Stake for Preece and RFK Racing
As the NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Ryan Preece’s alliance with Brad Keselowski and his relentless approach to overcoming underdog expectations place him at a pivotal moment. The next ten races will determine whether Preece can leverage Keselowski’s expertise, secure the points he needs, and turn consistent finishes into a playoff breakthrough. The ongoing duel with Chris Buescher not only adds excitement within RFK Racing but also highlights the emotional and competitive stakes that define NASCAR’s playoff race, making every finish crucial as the journey to the postseason continues.
