Ryan Preece Talladega confidence is front and center as the RFK Racing driver prepares for the upcoming race at Talladega this Sunday. With notable improvements in his performance throughout the 2024 season and a reduced average finish compared to prior years, Preece is embracing a bold mentality as he aims for victory lane at one of NASCAR‘s most unpredictable tracks.
Statistical Gains Reflect Preece’s Growth With RFK Racing
Preece’s move to RFK Racing has proven pivotal in his resurgence, with his average finish this season down to 16.2, a marked improvement over his previous averages of 20.94 in 2023 and 20.89 in 2022. Although his history on drafting tracks like superspeedways shows an average finish of 22.5 across 33 races, highlights at Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta indicate he is quickly adapting and consistently showing flashes of front-running speed.
Lessons Learned Propelling New Approach
Earlier in the year during Talladega’s spring event, Preece started in a promising fourth position but finished 38th after encountering trouble. He enters this weekend undeterred by past setbacks, focusing on keeping out of trouble to position himself for a strong run to the finish. The absence of playoff teammates relying on him for drafting support means Preece can now drive solely for his own goals, reducing external pressures and allowing him to focus on his individual performance.
“Confidence-wise, I have a lot of confidence going into Superspeedways this year. I mean, between the 500, Talladega, Daytona, we’ve been in contention with three to go, leading a lane,”
Preece said.
“So, right now, it’s trying to make everything line up. So, it works out that the we are the one in victory lane. And, that’s all you can do because if you put yourself in in contention and give yourself opportunities to win, law of averages end up being on being on your side,”
he continued.
Freedom and Adaptability Under New Team
The alliance with Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing organization has given Preece more flexibility behind the wheel, allowing him to drive with greater aggression when needed and to establish valuable trust in the draft with other drivers. The RFK Racing structure has brought out a more adaptable and assertive approach in his racecraft, helping foster relationships with drivers who are keen to run up front or go for the win alongside him at superspeedways like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta.
Recent Performances Bolster Winning Ambitions
Preece’s adaptability across different track types is evident in his three top-five finishes this season at Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Iowa, all venues requiring different skill sets. Combined with twelve top-ten results, these accomplishments have boosted his reputation within the garage and among fellow competitors. As the driver of the #60 RFK Racing car, and with no obligations to support playoff teammates, Preece’s strategy for Talladega centers on maintaining his presence at the front, leveraging the lessons learned, and staying in position should fortune favor him this weekend.
Looking Ahead at Talladega
Ryan Preece enters Talladega surrounded by cautious optimism and rising self-confidence, built firmly on recent improvement and support from RFK Racing. While superspeedway racing carries its inherent risks, Preece’s commitment to remaining in contention gives him a realistic chance to challenge for his first win of the season and further elevate his status among NASCAR’s elite drivers.
