Ryan Preece is set to race in the World Series of Asphalt, bringing his talent back to New Smyrna Speedway in Florida as this celebrated annual event reaches its 60th edition. Alongside several well-known names, Preece’s involvement in the competition draws in NASCAR fans eager for high-stakes, short-track racing drama right before the Daytona season opener.
Notable NASCAR Drivers Line Up for the Short-Track Challenge
This year’s roster features a select group of NASCAR drivers, including Ryan Preece, Matt Hirschman, and Austin Beers, who will compete in the Tour Type Modifieds division. Although Preece, representing RFK Racing, will participate in these challenging events, he is not entering the championship points race. The prestigious contest at New Smyrna Speedway consistently draws top racing talents, maintaining its reputation as a proving ground in motorsports.
For fans tracking NASCAR storylines, additional drivers from the sport’s tier-two series are also slated to race. William Sawalich, Conner Jones, and Spencer Davis will compete in the Late Models division, helping expand the depth of experienced racers in the field and fueling anticipation for competitive action.
Juggling Professional Obligations ahead of Daytona
Preece, age 35, has a demanding schedule as he continues to fulfill his primary responsibility as the full-time driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, operated by Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski. With the Daytona season opener on the horizon, his commitment to RFK remains a priority, and participation in the World Series of Asphalt will be coordinated around his team obligations and qualification outcomes. Despite these constraints, Preece is expected to compete in several Super Late Model races during the 9-day event.
Key Dates and Racing Format for 2024
The action at New Smyrna Speedway begins with practice on February 5, and continues with official racing starting February 6. The World Series of Asphalt will be streamed live throughout its run on FloRacing, offering motorsports fans the chance to catch every race and see how NASCAR regulars perform against skilled short-track specialists.
Preece’s Recent Performance and Future Potential
Ryan Preece enters the event coming off his strongest career Cup Series season. In the 2025 season driving for RFK Racing, he achieved his best points finish, placing 18th overall, and notched three top-5 and 14 top-10 results, as well as leading 133 laps. Preece also secured his second career Cup Series pole and posted a personal best season average finish of 15.69, underlining his consistency and continued development as a driver.
The NASCAR landscape has evolved, with the “win-and-in” approach no longer guaranteeing a playoff berth. As a result, Preece must maintain steady performances throughout the season if he hopes to be in contention during the critical final stretch of races. This new challenge adds urgency not only to his Cup Series campaign but also provides vital experience and exposure in high-pressure events like the World Series of Asphalt.
The Significance of the World Series for Preece and Fans
Preece’s participation in the World Series of Asphalt will be closely watched as he continues to seek his breakthrough victory in the competition, having come close on several occasions in the past. Motorsports fans, along with figures like Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski from the RFK Racing organization, will be eager to see how he performs against both up-and-coming and established names on Florida’s iconic short track. The event promises nine days of racing excitement, offering a unique blend of grassroots competition and professional flair that has become a tradition for drivers and fans alike.
NASCAR regulars, short track stars appear on early (and still counting) World Series of Asphalt entry listshttps://t.co/Ptl1bO4SYk
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) January 23, 2026
