With only two races remaining before the Round of 16 in the NASCAR playoffs, the pressure to secure a spot is mounting for drivers still vying for qualification. Ryan Preece of RFK Racing, driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang, is locked in a tense battle as he trails the cutoff line by 34 points heading into the Richmond Raceway event. The 34-year-old Connecticut native understands that the upcoming weekend could be decisive for his 2024-25 playoff aspirations and is counting on a strategic partnership to make an impact.
Collaborative Strategy Between Preece and Buescher Influences Playoff Prospects
On August 15, Ryan Preece captured the pole position for the Richmond race in his No. 60 Ford Mustang, posting a fast lap of 121.381 mph on the 0.75-mile circuit and narrowly beating Tyler Reddick. His confidence was evident in his press interactions, reflecting both trust in his equipment and the team’s preparation. Before the race, in a conversation with FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, Preece was asked about competing directly with teammate Chris Buescher for the final playoff berth.
“Do you feel like you’re racing Chris (Buescher) for the final spot, or do you assume that there’s going to be a new winner in the next two weeks?” —Bob Pockrass, Reporter
Preece responded with humor and honesty:
“Hell yeah, I’m going to race the heck out of him,” —Ryan Preece, Driver
He then acknowledged the unpredictability of the upcoming races, especially the superspeedway event at Daytona:
“It’s hard to say, I think we’re at two racetracks, superspeedway, especially, Daytona, anything can happen. We saw that last year.” —Ryan Preece, Driver
Discussing the Cook Out 400 at Richmond, Preece noted the challenge of finding the right race setup with the option tire in play:
“At Richmond, you don’t know who is going to show up with the right package today for this option tire. I think there are a lot of thoughts. I think you’re going to have to win to get in to really lock yourself in, unless you’re Tyler Reddick.” —Ryan Preece, Driver
He also highlighted the potential advantage of collaborating with teammate Chris Buescher and the involvement of their crew chiefs, Scott Graves and Derek Finley, to formulate the best approach:
“I think Chris and I are both trying to figure out what’s the best strategy for us, and I know that Scott (Graves) and Derek (Finley) are working hard on that,” —Ryan Preece, Driver
Preece expressed strong faith in his car’s capabilities and stressed the importance of making definitive moves during critical race moments:
“I have really fast race cars and need to go execute great races. If you’re in a position for a green-white-checkered and you have an opportunity to win, when it comes Monday, I don’t think about what I should have done different.” —Ryan Preece, Driver
Recent Performances and Playoff Implications for RFK Racing
The previous weekend at Watkins Glen provided contrasting results for RFK Racing’s key drivers. Ryan Preece finished 13th, while Chris Buescher managed a strong top-five finish, moving closer to securing a playoff spot. The high stakes also weigh heavily on team owner and driver Brad Keselowski, for whom a victory is critical to continuing his season. Keselowski’s experience at tracks like Richmond and Daytona, where he has multiple wins, offers strategic insight into navigating the hurdles toward the playoffs.
Chris Buescher’s success at Richmond and Daytona in 2023 demonstrated that playoff qualification remains attainable for drivers who can manage the variables until the final laps of the season. This dynamic showcases how the collaboration within RFK Racing, including the teamwork between Preece and Buescher, could prove decisive in the last races before the playoffs.
What This Means for Ryan Preece’s NASCAR Playoff Chase and RFK Racing
Ryan Preece’s position in the NASCAR playoff chase is precarious but not without hope, largely due to the tactical alliance with Chris Buescher and experienced crew leadership. As both push for victories in the remaining events at Richmond and Daytona, RFK Racing could leverage this teamwork to break their playoff drought. The coming weeks will test their ability to execute strategic decisions under intense pressure, with wins potentially securing their place in the postseason. The outcomes at Richmond and beyond are likely to have significant consequences for the team’s 2024-25 campaign and Preece’s quest for playoff success.