Ryan Preece’s NASCAR breakthrough win represents a pivotal moment in his career, symbolizing the payoff of relentless effort and strategic risk-taking. His rise from local Connecticut Modified tracks to the national NASCAR Cup Series has been marked by perseverance and well-timed opportunities that culminated in a defining victory in 2017 at Iowa Speedway.
Beginning with grassroots racing, Preece’s climb included championships and hard-fought successes in lower-tier series before he made his mark on the Xfinity and Cup Series levels. His story highlights not only the wins but also the behind-the-scenes challenges and support systems that shaped his progress.
A Defining Victory That Earned Respect in NASCAR’s Competitive Field
Ryan Preece’s first full-time Cup Series ride came in 2019 with JTG Daugherty Racing, but his breakthrough moment was much earlier, during a dramatic overtime win in July 2017 at Iowa Speedway in the Xfinity Series. That victory was more than a checkered flag; it was the moment Preece gained undeniable respect from his peers and NASCAR insiders. After the race, Preece reflected on the significance:
“It was fun because what was really cool about it is the people that you race against—even if you had the biggest rivalry with them—they respected you enough to say, Man, that was it. That was cool. Watching you win was like one of us. You know what I mean? So, earning the respect—I mean, I had the respect of the people I raced. Yeah. But it was—that was the neat part. They were pulling for you.”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
This win at Iowa, where he held his lead through a tense green-white-checkered finish, struck a chord because it came against well-established competitors such as Kyle Benjamin and Brian Scott. The victory secured his place among NASCAR’s rising talents and opened doors for greater opportunities.
From Modest Beginnings to Xfinity Success and the Role of Key Industry Connections
Preece’s path through NASCAR involved a series of calculated moves and vital relationships. His beginnings in the northeastern short-track scene, including the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, laid the groundwork for his national-level ambitions. Transitioning to part-time Xfinity schedules with Tommy Baldwin Racing and JD Motorsports gave him valuable seat time, but it was his partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) that truly propelled his trajectory.
Steve de Souza, president of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity and development program, initially offered Preece a two-race deal for the 2017 season, which quickly expanded to cover up to 15 races. Preece explained the situation:
“All of a sudden, I get a call from Steve de Souza saying, Hey, Ryan, you know, what do you want to do? Are you busy next year? Would you be available to run so-and-so races?”
“Hey, we’re going to—we’re going to put you in for these 10 races in the 18.”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
This expanded role was partly due to scheduling conflicts involving other drivers and sponsors, opening space for Preece to demonstrate his capabilities. His 2018 season with JGR featured two notable wins, including the Dash 4 Cash race at Bristol where he executed a late-race move to take the win and a $100,000 bonus, alongside several top-five and top-10 finishes that underscored his consistency and growth.
The Impact of Local Connections and Sponsorship on Career Advancement
Preece’s rise was also significantly influenced by sponsorship alignment and personal networks. His relationship with Stanley Black & Decker, headquartered only minutes from his family home in Connecticut, along with Craftsman’s return as a JGR sponsor, helped solidify financial backing crucial to his expanded racing schedule.
“But also, Stanley Black & Decker was located out of New Britain, Connecticut—7 minutes from my dad’s shop, our house. Well, Stanley—you know, DeWalt sponsored JGR—and a close friend of mine who did our tires that I’ve known since I was a kid ended up selling a car to somebody that was at Stanley and um, you know, they ended up talking about racing somehow and like, Hey, do you know this Ryan Preece guy?”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
This network effect led to sponsor interest, which helped Preece secure rides covering significant parts of the Xfinity schedule. The success fueled by these opportunities set the stage for his first full-time Cup Series ride replacing AJ Allmendinger in 2019.
Ryan Preece’s Relentless Drive Toward Securing a Playoff Spot
Despite his breakthrough and steady climb, as of 2025 Ryan Preece remains without a Cup Series win and has yet to qualify for the NASCAR playoffs. However, his approach in the current racing season with RFK Racing reflects a fierce determination to rewrite this narrative. His mindset is focused on aggressive racing and strategic risk, aiming to shatter mid-pack finishes and force his way into postseason contention.
Early struggles with pit stops and race strategy have not slowed the driver’s resolve. Instead, Preece and his team have intensified preparation through extra practice sessions and bolder tactical choices. His recent top-10 and top-15 finishes in high-profile events like the Brickyard 400 and the Chicago Street Race highlight his growing competitiveness.
The next major milestone, the Iowa race, looms as a critical opportunity for Preece to translate his relentless effort into a playoff berth. The tension of this pursuit fuels his racing philosophy: every lap counts, every move matters, and easing up is not an option.
Why Ryan Preece’s Breakthrough Is More Than Just a Win
Ryan Preece’s breakthrough win at Iowa Speedway was a pivotal juncture that transformed him from a promising talent to a respected competitor within NASCAR’s elite. That victory, along with the ensuing opportunities from JGR and sponsorship support, laid the foundation for his Cup Series career. His story is emblematic of how perseverance, combined with strategic risks and personal connections, can open doors in professional motorsports.
Looking forward, Preece’s unwavering focus on securing his first Cup Series win and making the playoffs injects fresh energy into his campaign. His journey underscores the intense competitiveness of NASCAR and the thin margin between obscurity and stardom. For fans and analysts alike, his coming races will be essential in determining whether this determined driver can convert potential into historic success.