Ryan Preece recently gained attention by recreating Brad Pitt’s driving methods from the Formula 1 movie in a video shared on X. This clip highlights the growing connection between motorsports and entertainment as drivers like Preece blend real racing with popular film culture.
NASCAR athletes increasingly engage with racing films, whether through themed car designs or mimicking on-screen driving styles. For instance, in 2023, Preece and his former teammate Chase Briscoe paid tribute to Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby by sporting its legendary paint jobs during a NASCAR Cup Series event at Talladega. Preece’s car, No. 41, bore Ricky Bobby’s classic design, while Briscoe’s No. 14 Mustang showcased Cal Naughton Jr.’s iconic Old Spice look.
“When you have a NASCAR race but you just watched the F1 movie.”
Ryan Preece, a 34-year-old American professional stock car driver, is currently competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Over his career, Preece has built a reputation as a versatile driver with expertise spanning modifieds, Xfinity, Truck, and Cup Series events.
His achievements include winning the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship in 2013. He has also earned multiple notable victories across regional and national circuits, such as two Xfinity Series wins with Joe Gibbs Racing and a memorable Truck Series triumph in Nashville.
How Ryan Preece Approaches His Playoff Pursuit with RFK Racing
In 2025, Preece is enjoying the best season of his career after joining RFK Racing as the driver of the No. 60 Ford Mustang. He currently ranks 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, boasting 405 points and seven top-10 finishes. Preece attributes his progress to embracing a “trust the process” mindset combined with openness to new ideas.
Speaking in June, Preece highlighted the importance of self-improvement, listening carefully to others, and entering each race weekend with a fresh perspective. His goal is to reconnect with his pure racing instincts rather than getting bogged down in technical car setups.
“I went in with an open mind of ‘I’m gonna work on me, I’m gonna trust the process and I’m gonna continue to push myself.’ And that comes with doing more listening than I do talking, having a different perspective going into the weekends, and really just having a big, open mind when it comes to a lot of things. I’m trying to definitely get back to the Ryan Preece that just drove race cars instead of just ones that I set up,”
Ryan Preece said via CBS Sports.
Following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of 2024, Preece transitioned to RFK Racing. He now benefits from the guidance of RFK co-owner Brad Keselowski, which has bolstered his growth and confidence this season.
The Growing Intersection of Motorsports and Popular Culture
Preece’s recent video pays tribute to the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, illustrating how popular media inspires drivers to embrace new techniques and styles. This trend reflects a broader crossover between entertainment and racing that captivates motorsports fans.
By recreating Brad Pitt’s iconic driving moves, Preece not only entertains but also connects with a wide audience that appreciates both motorsports and Hollywood influences. Activities like this deepen fan engagement and highlight the evolving ways that racing culture interacts with mainstream entertainment.
As Ryan Preece continues to develop his skills with RFK Racing and draw inspiration from diverse sources, his career trajectory remains promising. The blend of competitive performance and creative expression may inspire other drivers to explore fresh approaches, enriching the sport’s dynamic landscape in the years ahead.