Ryan Preece Eyes First NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Berth
As the NASCAR Cup Series regular season approaches its conclusion, Ryan Preece finds himself in a compelling position to secure his first postseason appearance. Currently ranked 14th overall, Preece is only 20 points shy of the provisional playoff grid.
Reflecting on his unexpected competitiveness with RFK Racing, Preece noted, “I don’t think it was on everyone’s bingo cards for the [No.] 60 car or myself to come out and be as competitive as we’ve been this year.” This season marks Preece’s sixth in the series, and he has already surpassed his previous record for top-10 finishes, now standing at seven.
Despite a recent win by Shane van Gisbergen at the Mexican race, which has placed Preece outside the playoff spots, he remains optimistic. “This is 100 percent the most realistic opportunity,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s consistent improvement in chemistry and execution. Preece is focusing on maximizing opportunities in upcoming races, particularly at Atlanta and Chicago, where he believes he can capitalize on superspeedway-style racing and road courses.
With his Cup Series record at 0-204, Preece understands the urgency of seizing a win: “I feel like we’re in a must-win situation… It’s too competitive of a series to bank on points.” Competing drivers such as Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace currently occupy the bubble spots, with Bowman holding 16th and Wallace 15th, 29 points ahead of Preece.
The next races, including Atlanta (EchoPark Speedway) and Chicago, present pivotal opportunities for Preece and other drivers just below the playoff cutline, including AJ Allmendinger, Erik Jones, and Kyle Busch. As the season continues, Preece aims to leverage his newfound momentum and secure a playoff spot.
