Ryan Preece delivered a dramatic Ryan Preece Stafford Speedway victory on July 18, seizing the Cleetus McFarland New England 900 in front of his Connecticut hometown supporters, including family and friends who have followed his career from the grassroots to NASCAR’s biggest stage. The race at Stafford Speedway turned electrifying in the final laps, as Preece edged out 19-time Cup Series champion Greg Biffle in a fierce battle that left the crowd roaring.
Preece Outduels Biffle in an Eventful New England Showdown
The night at Stafford Speedway was vibrant, filled with Crown Victoria cars, NASCAR personalities, and YouTube racing stars. Ryan Preece, piloting the No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com entry, began his charge from the 15th starting position. By lap 17, he had pushed his way to the front, but the lead changed hands multiple times, with internet sensations Brent PFI Speed, Brad DeBerti, and Derek Vice Grip Garage each making a run at the front.
The pivotal moment came after a restart at lap 77, which set the stage for an intense eight-lap showdown. Greg Biffle grabbed the lead, holding off Preece with skill and aggression while the fans at Stafford Speedway watched in anticipation. As the last lap unfolded, Preece expertly timed a nitrous boost, maneuvered to the inside coming out of Turn 2, and executed a daring crossover pass on Biffle in Turns 3 and 4, a move that brought the crowd to its feet in a display of pure racing drama.
“It was all about having fun. At the end, we’d to do the old NASCAR – rubbing is racing and put on a show for everyone. To be able to race with these guys at my home track, a place that has made me who I am as a race car driver, is really special,” Preece said post-race (via Alt Driver).
Beyond the contest itself, the result carried deep personal meaning for the Connecticut native. Emerging victorious over a legendary figure like Biffle, Preece celebrated with the very people and community who witnessed his earliest racing days, solidifying the emotional nature of the win.
“To have my daughter here, my family, my in-laws, my dad, and everybody here. It’s my hometown crowd, so it’s awesome,” he added.
Just days before the big win, Preece contested the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series GAF Roofing Mod Masters race at Stafford Motor Speedway. Although he was a contender throughout, he ultimately placed fourth as Jake Johnson secured the top spot. This result added fuel to his competitive spirit heading into Friday’s marquee showdown.
Momentum Builds as Preece Targets Cup Series Playoffs
The triumph at Stafford brings momentum at a pivotal time for Ryan Preece as he prepares for the upcoming event at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday. Unlike his modified racing exploits, Preece will take the wheel of the No. 60 RFK Racing ford/”>Ford, tackling one of the sport’s most demanding circuits within the Cup Series schedule. The recent string of top finishes further boosts his confidence – over the last nine Cup races, Preece has finished within the top 15 on each occasion, earning five top 10s.
Currently, Preece sits just three points shy of the playoff cutline, right behind Bubba Wallace, with only six regular-season events remaining. Dover Motor Speedway stands as both a daunting challenge and an opportunity – its tough concrete surface and high-banked corners have tested drivers since its inception in 1969. With stage breaks set for laps 125 and 250 during Sunday’s 400-lap main event, Preece aims to better his previous 17th-place best at the venue and seize a playoff-clinching victory.
Adding to the uniqueness of Preece’s Dover entry, his car will showcase a special tribute paint scheme honoring six-time WNBA All-Star Alyssa ‘The Engine’ Thomas. This recognition not only cements community and sports connections but also brings additional attention as he chases his first Cup Series victory.
The Importance of the Stafford Speedway Triumph
Ryan Preece’s triumph at Stafford Speedway was more than a race win – it was a powerful homecoming and earned with a dramatic, last-lap pass over a NASCAR champion. The event highlighted the influence of community support, the significance of local tracks in shaping champions, and the emotional rewards of hometown victories. As he transitions to the high-pressure battle for NASCAR Cup Series playoff contention, Preece carries the energy and pride from Stafford, positioning himself for even greater achievements at storied venues such as Dover. The stage is set for this local favorite to turn momentum into a career-defining moment in the weeks ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Ryan Preece going in 2025?
A. Ryan Preece will drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing in 2025. Before this, he drove the No. 41 car for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024.
Q. Has Ryan Preece ever won a race?
A. Preece has raced in many NASCAR Xfinity Series events for Joe Gibbs Racing and secured two victories. In 2021, during his first career start, he won a Truck Series race. Preece often participates in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, where he has achieved 25 wins in total.
