Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, both drivers for RFK Racing, are facing off for the last remaining spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, with only two races left in the regular season. The RFK Racing playoff battle tests not only their racing abilities but also their commitment to respect and sportsmanship as teammates, even as the stakes intensify.
A Close Contest for NASCAR’s Final Playoff Place
As the regular NASCAR Cup Series season nears its end, thirteen drivers have already secured playoff positions by winning at least one race. This leaves just three playoff spots open, but, realistically, only two are within reach. Tyler Reddick, though winless this season, holds a substantial lead of 117 points over Ryan Preece, making his playoff qualification nearly certain. Meanwhile, Chris Buescher occupies the critical bubble position and has a narrower 34-point advantage over Preece. Alex Bowman stands 60 points ahead of Preece and could theoretically be overtaken by both RFK Racing drivers if results align, but it is far more likely that Buescher and Preece will be the ones truly fighting for the final berth.
For both Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece, the closing races bring not just personal implications but reflect intensely on RFK Racing as an organization, highlighting how teammates can be forced to compete against one another under immense professional pressure. Despite this internal rivalry, both drivers have publicly emphasized maintaining a sense of respect on the track.
“To be honest with you, Chris and I race really well together,”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
Preece, seeking his first-ever playoff appearance, explained the mutual respect between the two men.
“So, I think we have enough respect for each other on the racetrack to do it the right way, and we’re gonna race hard.”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
Chris Buescher, already qualified for the 2024 playoffs, echoed Preece’s outlook during his own recent media session.
“It is nice to be racing against your teammate because you know the level of respect,”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing driver
“You know what to plan for when you race around each other. We have certainly had that all year.”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing driver
The Fine Line Between Respect and Competition
Even as they upheld respect as a guiding principle, Buescher and Preece openly acknowledged that the heat of a playoff battle could push their rivalry into more aggressive territory. Buescher admitted that hitting a teammate—especially with playoff stakes on the line—introduces a difficult dilemma.
“It is a little more difficult to put a bumper on a teammate and shove him out of the way if the situation calls for it,”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing driver
Preece, meanwhile, set his own boundaries, asserting he would only make an aggressive move if provoked.
“I typically try to race everybody with the level of respect that I would want back,”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
“And when I’m not raced that way, they just get raced the same way back.”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
The tension could peak at Daytona, the season’s last race, where close points margins and drafting partners carry unique significance. Teammates at Daytona are often compelled to work together for the best drafting results, complicating the personal rivalry if both are still in playoff contention.
“Obviously, we’re gonna take care of each other when it comes to superspeedways,”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
“And the last few laps, you’ve just got to do the best you can to try and win that race.”
—Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver
Despite these shared intentions, there is a clear understanding within RFK Racing that competition cannot be avoided, even among friends and colleagues.
“It will be good hard racing,”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing driver
“That is the agreement within the shop. We are not letting each other have anything. We are all teammates, but we are competitors still. But I think you have to race your own shop with just a little added level of respect.”
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing driver
What the RFK Racing Playoff Battle Means for the Season
The pending showdown between Buescher and Preece not only shapes their personal journeys but also represents the broader drama of the NASCAR Cup Series. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the tension within RFK Racing remains professional or spills over into more aggressive exchanges as the playoffs draw near. Whether at Richmond Raceway or Daytona, the final two races will determine which RFK Racing driver claims the remaining postseason spot and how far that commitment to mutual respect can stretch in the face of career-defining stakes.
