Ryan Preece topped the charts in the last NASCAR Cup Series practice, known as Happy Hour, ahead of Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Preece led the 18-car field with a high-speed lap, showcasing strong form for his No. 60 RFK Racing Ford in this closely watched Ryan Preece Daytona 500 practice.
Preece Sets the Pace at Daytona as Race Approaches
At the end of the 50-minute session on Saturday, Preece secured the fastest lap at 192.818 mph, narrowly beating out teammate Chris Buescher’s 192.785 mph in the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford. Brad Keselowski, a driver-owner for RFK, completed the top three, while Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano from Team Penske Ford rounded out the five fastest participants.
The practice included intensive drafting runs by the teams, yet the session was incident-free, and no caution flags were triggered. This productive practice offered competitors a last opportunity to fine-tune their vehicles before the main event. Due to expected weather changes, organizers have advanced the start of the 68th Daytona 500, moving the green flag to 1:30 p.m. ET.
Preece Confident After Leading Final Practice
Starting 19th for the Daytona 500, Ryan Preece completed 27 laps in this pivotal session and expressed determination to find even more speed in his Ford Mustang.
“We’re going to do everything we possibly can, for sure, to make this Ford Mustang faster,”
Ryan Preece, RFK Racing Driver.
Preece noted the team’s previous success and positive outlook from Thursday, stating confidence in his crew’s abilities to continue their momentum into the big race.
“We have a little bit of work to do. It’s hot out here now, but the Fords are fast and we’re going to try and be one of them out front tomorrow.”
Ryan Preece, RFK Racing Driver.
Buescher Impressed by Resilient Team Effort
Chris Buescher, also of RFK Racing, made a notable return to the track using a backup car, following a crash in Thursday night’s Duel. Despite the setback, Buescher ran the No. 17 Ford during both Friday and Saturday’s sessions, crediting his team’s quick turnaround and dedication.
“I have a tremendous amount of confidence in this team and they’ve buckled down and hustled to clean this backup and we’re rocking and rolling,”
Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Driver.
Buescher commented further on the Ford lineup’s speed, and his optimism for Sunday’s race following strong practice runs.
“We know what we were able to in the Duels, and I think we’ve got a good handle on it. We’ve got plenty of laps, so I’m ready for the 500 now.”
Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Driver.
Logano Prioritizes Preparation Over Conserving Cars
Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, registered 192.472 mph after logging more laps than any other driver, with a total of 32 circuits around the 2.5-mile course. Unlike some competitors who minimized track time to preserve their vehicles, Logano stated his belief in maximizing every practice opportunity in pursuit of another Harley J. Earl Trophy.
“That’s the old way of doing it, so I’m excited about that. I’d hate to get beat by somebody working harder than me.”
Joey Logano, Team Penske Driver.
Front Row Starters Sit Out Final Practice
Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing and Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing secured the two fastest qualifying laps on Wednesday, locking in the prized front row for Sunday’s race. Having already participated in Friday’s single practice session, both Busch and Briscoe opted to skip Saturday’s Happy Hour, turning their focus to race day.
Kyle Busch will lead the 41-car field at the start, with Briscoe lined up beside him. Their absence from final practice allowed other drivers more track time as final adjustments took place before the Daytona 500.
The pre-race broadcast on FOX-TV will now begin at 11:30 a.m., with the green flag scheduled for 2:13 p.m. Fans will witness 200 laps and 500 miles of thrilling action, airing live on FOX and available on MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
Anticipation Builds for the Daytona 500
The Ryan Preece Daytona 500 practice session set an energetic tone for the field, with Ford drivers demonstrating their potential at Daytona International Speedway. Drivers like Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano reinforced the competitiveness within Team Penske, RFK Racing, and the broader Ford camp.
With Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe starting at the front after a strong qualifying effort, and weather dictating the new schedule, teams are now making their final preparations for the start of “The Great American Race.” The focus and teamwork displayed in Saturday’s session signal a thrilling and highly contested Daytona 500 on Sunday, where every crew, driver, and manufacturer aims for early season glory.
