Ryan Preece Bio
Early Life and Background
Ryan Jeffrey Preece was born on October 25, 1990, in Berlin, Connecticut, USA. He is the youngest of three sons born to Jeff and Jodie Preece. Growing up in a family that supported his racing ambitions, Preece was exposed to motorsports at an early age, which laid the foundation for his future career. He graduated from Xavier High School in 2009, where he began to pursue his passion for racing.
Path to NASCAR
Preece began his racing career in 2007, competing in the Northeastern Midget Association. He quickly made a name for himself, finishing on the podium for the first time in 2008. His early success continued as he won the SK Modified Series championship in 2011 at Stafford Motor Speedway. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and opened doors to further opportunities in NASCAR.
Ryan Preece Career
Early Career (2007–2015)
Preece’s early career saw him transition through various racing series, including the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, where he secured his first career victory in 2013. He dominated the series, winning the championship that year after finishing as runner-up in 2009 and 2012. His success in the Modified Tour established him as a formidable competitor in the racing community.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2016–2018)
Preece made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2013, finishing 24th at Loudon. He joined JD Motorsports full-time in 2016, driving the No. 01 Chevrolet. His breakthrough came in 2017 when he raced for Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving his first Xfinity Series win at Iowa. This victory was a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his potential at a higher level of competition.
In 2018, Preece continued to impress, winning another race at Bristol and earning a spot in the Dash 4 Cash program. His performances solidified his reputation as a rising star in the NASCAR ranks.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Preece transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019, driving the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for JTG Daugherty Racing. He faced challenges during his rookie season but managed to secure a pole position at Darlington Raceway in 2020. Throughout his time with JTG, he encountered ups and downs, including a violent crash at Kansas Speedway that raised safety concerns.
In 2022, Preece served as a reserve driver for Stewart-Haas Racing while also competing in select races for Rick Ware Racing and David Gilliland Racing. His resilience paid off when he won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Nashville, marking a significant achievement in his career.
RFK Racing Era (2023–Present)
In November 2022, Preece was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing starting in 2025. His first season with the team has been marked by a mix of challenges and notable performances. Preece began the 2023 season with a DNF at the Daytona 500 but later secured his first career pole at Martinsville.
Despite facing difficulties throughout the regular season, including a dramatic crash at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Preece demonstrated his determination and skill, finishing the season with a strong performance at various tracks. His ability to adapt and learn from each race has positioned him as a competitive driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Preece is known for his aggressive driving style, strategic racecraft, and ability to perform under pressure. His experience across multiple series has honed his skills, making him a versatile and formidable competitor on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Preece’s career is highlighted by significant achievements, including winning the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Championship in 2013 and multiple championships in the World Series of Asphalt Tour-Type Modified. His victory at Iowa in the Xfinity Series marked a turning point, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR.
Ryan Preece Career Wins
Ryan Preece has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, with a total of four wins in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and two wins in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. His journey through the ranks of NASCAR has been marked by consistent performances and a determination to succeed.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of the 2025 season, Preece has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR Cup Series but has shown promise with multiple top-ten finishes. His first win story remains a goal as he continues to build momentum with RFK Racing.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Preece has two career wins, with his first victory coming at Iowa in 2017. He also boasts two wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, highlighting his versatility and competitiveness across different racing formats.
Ryan Preece Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ryan Preece comes from a supportive family background, with both parents encouraging his racing aspirations. His wife, Heather DesRochers, is also a racing driver, and the couple shares two children, Rebecca Marie and Bentley. Their shared passion for racing has created a strong family bond centered around motorsports.
Personal Life
Preece married Heather DesRochers in 2017, and together they navigate the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of a professional racing career. Their children, born in 2023 and 2025, add joy to their lives as they continue to pursue their racing dreams.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging yet promising year for Ryan Preece. After starting with a 23rd-place finish at the Daytona 500, he faced setbacks, including a penalty that docked points for his team. However, Preece has shown resilience, securing a top-five finish at Las Vegas, which ties his career-best performance. As the season progresses, he aims to build on this momentum and contend for his first Cup Series victory, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in NASCAR.
