Ryan Preece’s ongoing comeback story took on new meaning following his terrifying crash at Daytona in August 2023. Despite the severity of the incident, NASCAR did not provide air transport to return Preece home, a decision sharply criticized by Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the driver now prepares for another key race in Iowa.
The 2023 Daytona crash was one of the most harrowing moments in recent Cup Series history. Preece’s No. 41 Stewart-Haas Ford made contact with Erik Jones, sending the car sideways and then airborne after clipping teammate Chase Briscoe’s vehicle. The car flipped violently along the backstretch, a spectacle that prompted NASCAR officials to investigate the incident thoroughly. It was ultimately determined that brief contact with infield grass triggered the car’s launch off the track.
Remarkably, Preece escaped without broken bones but endured severe bruising across his face. Speaking on The Dale Jr. Download, he described the frightening silence and disorientation during the crash:
“I remember getting hit and it turning towards the infield. And I can run through this in my head right now. And then all of a sudden, the car got completely quiet. That is something that nobody will experience… because at that point you’re like, ‘Well sh** I can’t see anything.” —Ryan Preece
Although Preece wanted to leave the Halifax Medical Center that same night, hospital staff insisted he stay under observation. He recalled the long wait and eventual trip home:
“I remember the next day, I’m heading home. My dad picks me up at the hospital across the street cuz they refused to let me leave. I remember it was 11:30 at night at Daytona…. so they made me stay till 6:00 am the next morning, and my dad drives me home.” —Ryan Preece
The drive home was a grueling six- to seven-hour journey, traveling with his father and two friends. Preece’s survival and ability to return home without the aid of air transport surprised many, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., who voiced his frustration loudly:
“Y’all drove?… Can’t believe nobody sent a plane to get you. Jesus. I’d have sent my plane to get you. I didn’t even know. That’s bullsh*t.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
In response to the crash and its dangerous dynamics, NASCAR took steps to improve safety by paving over more of the Daytona backstretch grass before the 2024 Daytona 500, with intentions to extend that paved section beyond Turn 3 later.
Ryan Preece Focuses on Playoff Push With Determination at Iowa
With just four races left in the regular season, Ryan Preece is intensifying his efforts toward securing a playoff berth. Entering the weekend at Iowa Speedway, Preece sits 42 points shy of the cutoff, trailing teammate Chris Buescher by that margin for the final playoff position. So far, 13 race winners have guaranteed spots, leaving only three open placements to be settled based on points.
The remaining events include Iowa, Richmond, Watkins Glen, and the Daytona Race. Preece is optimistic heading into Iowa, drawing confidence from both experience and recent performance.
“I feel good about Iowa. I feel good about Richmond. Just being older, having a stronger understanding of where we need to be and not being caught up in lap time… I want my car to have good pace lap five, lap 10 on. You know what I mean?” —Ryan Preece
This strategic mindset marks a shift for Preece, who acknowledges that earlier in his career he often prioritized quick laps over consistent race execution. Now, with the playoffs in sight, his approach focuses on maintaining steady speed throughout races.
Watkins Glen remains a race of mixed results for Preece, who enjoys road courses but has yet to consistently capitalize on that preference. Iowa holds special significance as well; Preece’s 2017 Xfinity Series win at the track was a pivotal moment in his career, helping launch his current Cup Series opportunities.
His recent performances show steady progress. Preece led 12 laps at Indianapolis and marked his best finish since Las Vegas. He has achieved seven top-15 finishes in the last eight races. While not dominating, his consistency keeps him competitive within the tight playoff race, where steady point accumulation may prove sufficient to advance.
Understanding the Impact of Preece’s Recovery and NASCAR’s Safety Adjustments
Ryan Preece’s calm resilience and dedication to recovery after the Daytona crash highlight his character and professionalism. Despite the incident’s violence, Preece avoided major injuries and resumed racing with a clear eye on pushing toward the playoffs. The lack of expedited medical transport fueled criticism from notable voices like Dale Earnhardt Jr., underscoring concerns over driver care after severe accidents.
Meanwhile, NASCAR’s move to alter the Daytona 500 track layout by increasing paved areas near the backstretch is aimed at preventing future crashes similar to Preece’s. This safety evolution reflects the ongoing effort to protect drivers and reduce the risks of high-speed accidents on roadways with complicated terrain.
Preece’s ongoing determination and NASCAR’s safety responses together set the stage for the remaining 2024 regular-season races. For Preece, every lap matters in an intense chase for a playoff spot, where strategy, experience, and recovery from setbacks converge in his journey forward.