Ryan Preece recreates F1 movie scene in a video that has quickly made waves throughout the motorsports world this week, as the NASCAR driver channeled Brad Pitt’s driving techniques from the highly anticipated Formula 1 movie. The clip, shared on X, highlights the growing influence of film and entertainment on NASCAR’s culture, with Preece’s playful homage drawing reactions from drivers and fans alike.
The practice of NASCAR drivers referencing popular racing films continues to build excitement in both communities. In recent years, drivers such as Preece and Chase Briscoe have brought scenes to life by showcasing themed paint schemes and on-track moves inspired by those movies. A notable example occurred in 2023 when Preece and Briscoe participated in a Cup Series race at Talladega, with Preece’s No. 41 car sporting the classic design from
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
and Briscoe’s No. 14 Mustang channeling the look of Cal Naughton Jr.’s famous Old Spice scheme. This trend speaks to the ongoing collaboration and blurred lines between entertainment and real racing events.
Mimicking movie moments has become increasingly popular, as evident in Preece’s latest social media post. Referencing the F1 film starring Brad Pitt, the video showcases Preece’s sense of humor and his appreciation for pop culture’s role within the sport. The post caught widespread attention, generating reactions across fans and industry figures. As Preece succinctly framed it:
“When you have a NASCAR race but you just watched the F1 movie.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Ryan Preece, a 34-year-old professional from the United States, has developed a reputation for versatility and determination in American stock car racing. Competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, he brings a wealth of experience from various divisions, including modifieds, Xfinity, and the Truck Series. Over his career, Preece has achieved iconic victories—most notably, his 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, multiple Xfinity Series wins with Joe Gibbs Racing, and a standout Truck Series triumph in Nashville.
Preece’s New Approach with RFK Racing Sparks Best Career Season
This year, Ryan Preece is in the midst of his strongest season yet after teaming up with RFK Racing to drive their No. 60 Ford Mustang. Positioned 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 405 points and a string of seven top-10 finishes, Preece has attributed his resurgence to a fresh outlook and leaning on a “trust the process” mentality. He has embraced the guidance of team co-owner Brad Keselowski., further boosting his confidence and fostering new ways to prepare for races.
In a June interview, Preece elaborated on the mindset that’s fueled his recent successes. He described making a conscious effort to focus on self-improvement and approach each race weekend with renewed perspective, aiming to reconnect with his roots as a racer. As he explained:
“I went in with an open mind of ‘I’m gonna work on me, I’m gonna trust the process and I’m gonna continue to push myself.’ And that comes with doing more listening than I do talking, having a different perspective going into the weekends, and really just having a big, open mind when it comes to a lot of things. I’m trying to definitely get back to the Ryan Preece that just drove race cars instead of just ones that I set up,” Ryan Preece said via CBS Sports.
The move to RFK Racing followed the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of last season, placing Preece in a revitalized organization and allowing him to benefit from the mentorship of experienced competitor Brad Keselowski.. This supportive environment has contributed to his renewed focus and improvement on the track.
Entertainment’s Growing Role in Modern NASCAR
The playful blend of pop culture with professional motorsports is more visible than ever, as drivers like Preece borrow from cinematic moments to engage wider audiences. The viral buzz over Preece’s F1 film recreation exemplifies how drivers use entertainment cues to forge connections with fans and infuse personality into an intensely competitive sport. Such innovations not only keep NASCAR engaging but also build bridges between generations of race enthusiasts and movie lovers.
As Preece continues his strong run this season with RFK Racing, his willingness to experiment—both behind the wheel and through creative nods to motorsports in popular culture—signals a dynamic era for NASCAR. This interplay between film and racing is likely to spur further creativity within the sport and inspire the next wave of cross-platform storytelling in American motorsports.
