Ryan Preece’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series after his frightening 2023 wreck is a story of resilience and resolve, with his Ryan Preece Daytona crash comeback taking on new significance as he prepares to race again in Iowa this weekend. During a recent discussion with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Preece reflected on his harrowing experience at Daytona, shedding light on the aftermath and the journey that has defined his ongoing season.
Preece’s Violent Daytona Wreck Sparks NASCAR Safety Changes
In August 2023, during the Daytona night event, Ryan Preece found himself at the center of a dramatic incident that became one of the most memorable crashes in recent Cup Series memory. Contact with Erik Jones shifted Preece’s No. 41 Stewart-Haas Ford across the track, where it made contact with teammate Chase Briscoe, resulting in a terrifying airborne flip down the backstretch.
Preece survived the crash with no broken bones, but was left with severe facial bruising. NASCAR quickly launched a review and determined a fleeting hit with the infield grass triggered the flip. The impact and aftermath led the organization to pave additional portions of Daytona’s backstretch grass for the 2024 Daytona 500, with more paving planned toward Turn 3 following the event, a direct move to improve safety after witnessing Preece’s ordeal.
The Grit and Recovery: An Emotional Journey Home
Recounting his experience on The Dale Jr. Download, Ryan Preece shared the moments during and after the crash, offering raw insight into what it felt like inside the tumbling car and the hours that followed under medical care.
“I remember getting hit and it turning towards the infield. And I can run through this in my head right now. And then all of a sudden, the car got completely quiet. That is something that nobody will experience… because at that point you’re like, ‘Well sh** I can’t see anything.”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
The night of the crash, Preece wanted to leave Halifax Medical Center in Daytona but was held overnight by hospital staff, as he explained on the same show.
“I remember the next day, I’m heading home. My dad picks me up at the hospital across the street cuz they refused to let me leave. I remember it was 11:30 at night at Daytona…. so they made me stay till 6:00 am the next morning, and my dad drives me home,”
he added
Preece’s father drove him home from Daytona, a journey of six to seven hours, joined by two of Preece’s friends. The story of the long drive, after such a traumatic race, especially surprised Earnhardt Jr.
“Y’all drove?… Can’t believe nobody sent a plane to get you. Jesus. I’d have sent my plane to get you. I didn’t even know. That’s bullsh*t,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR commentator and former driver
This episode exposed the quiet strength in Preece’s character. Despite his bruises and exhaustion, he did not complain, choosing instead to process the experience and patiently work toward his return to racing. The crash and recovery became a testament to his determination and a memorable moment in his racing journey.
Pushing for Playoffs: Preece Faces Crucial Four-Race Stretch
Now, with four races remaining in the regular NASCAR season, Preece is locked in a battle for one of the final playoff spots. Driving the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford, he trails teammate Chris Buescher, who currently occupies the last provisional spot, by 42 points. With 13 race winners already guaranteed entry, just three positions remain for drivers to qualify on points alone.
The remaining races before the playoffs are set at Iowa, Richmond, Watkins Glen, and Daytona. As he looks ahead, Preece is focusing on the next event with a veteran’s approach, determined to continue building on his comeback and chase a postseason berth.
“I feel good about Iowa. I feel good about Richmond. Just being older, having a stronger understanding of where we need to be and not being caught up in lap time… I want my car to have good pace lap five, lap 10 on. You know what I mean?,”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
Preece has admitted that his mindset has evolved; earlier in his racing career, he was often preoccupied with quick laps, but as he matures, his attention has shifted to maintaining a strong and consistent race over the long haul. The change in strategy comes at a critical time as he pursues NASCAR’s playoff cut.
Iowa is a special venue for Preece. In 2017, he won an Xfinity Series race there for Joe Gibbs Racing, which became a turning point in his career and led to greater opportunities at higher levels of NASCAR. While Watkins Glen presents uncertainty due to inconsistent results, and Richmond remains another challenge, Iowa stands out as a track of promise and momentum for Preece.
Consistent Results Hint at a Possible Breakthrough
Recent performances suggest that Ryan Preece is close to making a significant splash. He led 12 laps at Indianapolis—his strongest showing since Las Vegas—and has logged top-15 finishes in seven of the past eight races, placing him back in contention for a playoff bid. His approach has been marked by reliability and determination, echoing the endurance he displayed following his Daytona comeback.
As Preece prepares for Iowa, the narrative surrounding his return has become all the more compelling. His journey from a terrifying crash at Daytona, the overnight hospital stay, and the grueling drive home represents not only physical resilience but also a quiet emotional fortitude. The changes implemented by NASCAR in direct response to his wreck are set to make racing safer for everyone, while Preece himself remains a symbol of perseverance as he pushes for one of the final playoff positions in the 2024 season.
