Ryan Preece’s future in the NASCAR Cup Series was revived following the Brad Keselowski RFK Racing 2025 announcement, securing him a full-time drive with the team next season. The move comes after Preece’s career appeared in jeopardy mid-2024, with the end of his Stewart-Haas Racing tenure and a failed deal leaving him uncertain about continuing in the sport.
Preece Faces Uncertainty After Stewart-Haas Racing’s Shutdown
While recounting his struggles in a video conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Preece revealed how close he came to leaving racing entirely and returning to Connecticut. Early in the 2024 season, after some promising mid-field results, he was approached by another team—but momentum faded as spring turned to summer, and by June and July, he was left with little hope for a Cup Series ride next year.
“I was looking for houses in Conneticut. I remember April, we were running halfway decent, there was a team that ended up reaching out to me. I was like, okay.”
He added, “Then May came, I remember Dover, car catches on fire inside. I remember it was just like a snowball effect. And then we go into June, July and it’s less than stellar.”
Preece and his No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing team had enjoyed a steady start but failed to maintain momentum. They slipped in the standings and did not finish in the top five after March. By that time, Preece’s potential new deal had already dissolved, leaving him with no clear path forward in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Despite these struggles, Preece achieved one top-five and five top-ten finishes with Stewart-Haas amid the uncertainty. Since his Cup debut in 2015, he has made 187 starts, earning four top-fives, 16 top-tens, and leading 176 career laps. In addition, he holds victories in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series.
Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing Secure Preece’s Cup Future
The turning point came unexpectedly when RFK Racing, under Brad Keselowski’s leadership, announced their 2025 plan to add Preece to their expanded three-car team. Preece will drive the No. 60 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series alongside teammates Keselowski and Chris Buescher, solidifying a talented lineup for next season. The partnership is made even stronger as leading sponsor Kroger, with whom Preece had worked during his time at JTG Daugherty Racing, is also making the move to RFK Racing.
RFK Racing’s decision to bring Preece aboard completes their full-time trio for the next chapter, building a balanced team of veterans and standout drivers. This move not only revives Preece’s Cup career but also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to growth and competitiveness.
Preece Claims Emotional Hometown Win at Stafford Speedway
While grappling with future uncertainties, Preece delivered a standout performance by winning the Cleetus McFarland New England 900 at Stafford Speedway on July 18, giving his hometown fans in Connecticut something to celebrate. In a field featuring YouTube personalities, NASCAR veterans, and high-powered Crown Victorias, Preece started 15th in his No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com car and charged toward the front. Through a series of thrilling lead changes with racers like Brent PFI Speed, Brad DeBerti, and Derek Vice Grip Garage, the battle intensified when Greg Biffle joined the fight for the top spot.
During the dramatic final laps, Biffle and Preece exchanged the lead multiple times. As the white flag waved, Biffle was out front, but Preece timed his nitrous boost coming off Turn 2 and executed a deft crossover to pass Biffle for the win on the final lap.
“It was all about having fun… 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.”
With family and friends gathered in victory lane at the track that launched his racing career, Preece reflected on the special moment of winning in his local community.
“To have my daughter here, my family, my in-laws, my dad, and everybody here. It’s my hometown crowd, so it’s awesome.”
Preece’s strong run in Stafford didn’t end with the Friday night win. Earlier that week, he competed in the GAF Roofing Mod Masters race as part of the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series, finishing fourth, further highlighting his skills and resilience during a pivotal period of his career.
What This Means for Ryan Preece and RFK Racing
Preece’s journey this season underscores the volatility of motorsports and the critical role of opportunity and timing. The Brad Keselowski RFK Racing 2025 announcement not only saves his Cup Series career but adds an experienced and motivated driver to RFK Racing’s growing stable. The move strengthens RFK’s competitive edge while offering Preece a fresh start, now bolstered by the ongoing support of key sponsor Kroger.
With his drive secured for 2025, a popular win at Stafford, and the support of both family and the hometown crowd, Ryan Preece is set to embrace the next NASCAR Cup season with renewed confidence and momentum.
