Ryan Preece, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, knows that racing and family life are deeply connected. His journey with RFK Racing this season highlights not only his persistent push for a breakthrough but also the unique support and honest critique he receives at home, making his “Ryan Preece racing family” story stand out in the racing world.
Chasing Success in the Cup Series
This season represents a high point in Preece’s Cup Series career, as he continues to drive for RFK Racing and earn strong top-five and top-ten finishes. Despite not yet clinching a race victory or securing a spot in the playoffs, Preece’s results are a testament to his dedication and resolve on the track. His consistent performance demonstrates both his growth as a competitor and his commitment to joining the ranks of race winners at NASCAR’s highest level.
A Meeting of Hearts and Engines
Preece’s connection to racing runs deep, and so does his relationship with his wife, Heather DesRochers. The pair met in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway, where DesRochers, following in her father’s footsteps, was becoming immersed in the motorsports world. Preece played a part in fine-tuning her father’s car during testing—a collaboration that sparked both on and off the track.
By 2011, both Preece and DesRochers were competing in the SK Modified Series, turning their shared passion into a friendly rivalry. That year, Preece achieved a championship win, while DesRochers earned Rookie of the Year honors. Their partnership was forged through competition, with DesRochers also participating in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. After six years, the couple married in 2017, blending their lives and racing ambitions.
Navigating the Challenges of a Racing Home
Their mutual background in racing brings both advantages and challenges. When asked about the dynamics of being married to another racer, Preece was candid in an interview with Kenny Wallace.
“I mean, it doesn’t make it harder, but it makes it… because they get the other side. What I don’t always want to say, but is definitely the truth, is Heather’s seen both sides, and she’s not the type of wife that is going to look at me and just tell me what I want to hear…”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
Preece humorously noted that his wife, affectionately nicknamed Heather Happiness, is known for her candor.
“We call her Heather Happiness, but she can definitely give you something that you don’t want to hear. But that’s the nice part about it. And what I will say is there was nights during 2011 when we would get done racing and her and I would be heading home. I could feel those eyes looking through the side of me, and you look home. But yeah. No, I mean it’s definitely it made it fun.”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
Having a partner who fully grasps the demands and nuances of motorsport, Preece admits, is both a blessing and a challenge.
“You can carry a conversation about racing. So, that’s the fun part about it. The unfun part about it is she definitely sees if I do something wrong, she will call me out on it,”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver. DesRochers’s honest feedback and understanding keep Preece grounded and always striving to do better, both professionally and personally.
Growing Their Family While Chasing Victory
Now, Ryan Preece and Heather DesRochers are building a family that reflects their passion for racing and their dedication to each other. The couple recently welcomed their son, Bentley Ryan Preece, who joins their daughter, Rebecca Marie, born in August 2023. Preece celebrated the milestone with an emotional post on social media:
“Rebecca Marie & Bentley Ryan. Our world is complete.”
– Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
As the NASCAR season progresses, Preece draws inspiration not just from his ambitions on the track but also from his responsibilities at home. With a growing family cheering him on, he is more motivated than ever to succeed for the ones waiting at home.
The Road Ahead for Ryan Preece and His Racing Family
The intertwining of racing careers and family life makes the story of Ryan Preece and Heather DesRochers unique in the NASCAR community. Their ability to blend competition, mutual support, and honest criticism has shaped their bond and continues to drive Preece’s pursuit of victory. Supported by his partner, celebrated for his perseverance, and now a proud father to two children, Preece’s journey as a racer and family man is one marked by passion and resilience—qualities that will continue to define his legacy on and off the track.
