rifan muazin
CHARLOTTE, NC – In a dramatic and rain-soaked exhibition event that mirrored his tenacious racing roots, Ryan Preece secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in the inaugural Cookout Clash at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday night. The win, achieved under challenging wet conditions that tested both driver and machine, marked a significant milestone for Preece and RFK Racing, signaling a potent resurgence for the driver often characterized by his unfiltered passion and undeniable skill.
The 38-year-old driver, whose early career was forged in the highly competitive Whelen Modified Tour circuit where he was a dominant force, demonstrated the same aggressive style and raw determination that defined his rise. Preece’s performance throughout the event, particularly his candid radio communications, echoed the "unedited, unfiltered" persona that has earned him a dedicated following.
From the outset, Preece faced an uphill battle, qualifying 18th due to the current season’s points-based inversion system. However, his ability to navigate the field, advancing into the top-10 and subsequently the top-5 before the halftime break, ignited the intensity that has become synonymous with "The Ryan Preece Show."
"Honestly, there’s just a lot of passion behind me," Preece stated in the post-race media conference, addressing the perceived intensity of his on-track communication. "Anybody who works with me knows I come across, I’m extremely focused to the point that sometimes it can look like arrogance."
Related News :
- Rising NASCAR talent Connor Zilisch Earns Coveted Daytona Prototype Test with Cadillac Racing
- NASCAR President Steve Phelps’ Private Communications Reveal Scathing Remarks About Veteran Owner Richard Childress
- Red Bull Unveils Striking Livery for Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Ahead of 2026 NASCAR Cup Season
- NASCAR Navigates Championship Uncertainty as New Format Decision Looms
- Motorsport Titans Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick Contest Court-Ordered Deposition in NASCAR Antitrust Litigation
The race took a significant turn with the onset of rain, transforming the track into a slick, unpredictable surface. Preece’s radio chatter during this period, while at times conveying frustration with visibility, also underscored his keen awareness of the challenging conditions. Phrases such as "visibility is going to be a bitch. Just so you know. Terrible," and "I’m pretty confident I know what is going to happen, nothing good but we cannot see a damn thing," were broadcast, highlighting the extreme nature of racing in the rain.
Despite the adverse conditions, Preece and his crew chief, Derrick Finley, made crucial strategic calls. The decision to utilize wet tires proved instrumental, not only in maintaining pace during the downpour but also in adapting as the track began to dry. This tactical brilliance, coupled with Preece’s driving prowess, allowed them to seize the lead and ultimately hold it.
This victory holds particular significance for Preece as it marks his first Cup Series win with RFK Racing, a team co-owned by NASCAR legends Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski. Preece joined the No. 60 Ford Mustang team in 2023, a move that represented a significant opportunity for the driver who had grappled with securing a full-time ride at the sport’s highest level.
"I remember I was going to, like, I’m not kidding, move back to Connecticut two years ago. The stars aligned and this opportunity at RFK came about. I remember there were nights (where) I thought, ‘Is this going to come together’ or ‘am I just going to be another story where it falls apart in the last second?’" Preece reflected on the journey leading to this moment.
The win also carries a nostalgic weight, as it came at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a track where Preece previously achieved success in the NASCAR Modified Tour in 2013. This return to a familiar venue, coupled with the grassroots-style racing that characterized much of his early career, added an emotional layer to the victory.
"To me, I don’t care what type of a race car driver you are, it’s 35 degrees," Preece said, referencing the challenging conditions that necessitated significant adjustments. "You don’t know where you need to be for air pressure or adjustments or all these things. When they set these race cars up, they’re in for dry conditions. You work really hard to get to that level."
The partnership between Preece and Finley has been a cornerstone of the No. 60 team’s development. Finley, a seasoned crew chief, expressed pride in the team’s collective effort. "He tasked everyone with winning this year," Preece said, referring to Finley’s pre-season directive. "To be able to come out the first race of the year, do that, even an exhibition race, it means a lot to us, right."
Finley’s strategic acumen in adapting to the fluctuating track conditions was crucial. The team’s ability to maintain speed on wet tires as the track dried demonstrated a level of adaptability that often separates winners from contenders. This mirrors the foundational elements of Preece’s early racing career, where he and his father, Jeff Preece, a respected figure in modified racing, often collaborated on car preparation and race strategy.
"I’ve been doing this full-time for the most part since 2019," Preece elaborated. "I’m grateful that it happened because I got this guy right here. I have our entire group, which is special working on this race car. I know, because when I build race cars, I do these things, it’s not easy to build speed. You have to have passionate people behind you. That’s what we have."
Looking ahead, Preece and the No. 60 team have set ambitious goals for the 2024 Cup Series season. "We can do it, we know what we need to do it, we’re going to do it. That’s how we’re going to do. That’s how we’re approaching this year. We are going to win multiple times," Preece declared, signaling his intent to build on this momentum.
The immediate aftermath of the Cookout Clash saw Preece adhering to his relentless schedule. Despite the significant victory, his focus quickly shifted to his next commitment: a drive to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he is slated to compete in Tour Type Modified and Super Late Model events in the lead-up to the Daytona 500. This dedication to continuous competition underscores his deep-seated racing ethos.
"Brother, I’ll celebrate in New Smyrna, Daytona," Preece stated when asked about post-victory festivities. "I race, man. It’s what it’s about. This is going to make that drive a hell of a lot better because in seven hours, I figure I’ll get to my house at about midnight, get to New Smyrna about 7 a.m.; we’ll just grind it out, have a couple of Celsiuses, maybe some coffee. I’ll sleep on Thursday night."
Even as media obligations loomed, Preece’s priority remained his racing schedule, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport. His departure from Charlotte Motor Speedway, en route to his next racing endeavor, underscored the enduring narrative of "The Ryan Preece Show" – a relentless pursuit of victory, now amplified on NASCAR’s most prominent stage. The win in the Cookout Clash serves as a powerful affirmation of his capabilities and a compelling preview of what is to come in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
Nascar CupFebruary 5, 2026Ryan Preece Captures Inaugural Cookout Clash Victory, Reasserting "The Ryan Preece Show" on NASCAR’s Premier Stage
Nascar CupFebruary 5, 2026Spotter Brandon Wilkinson Achieves Landmark First Cup Series Victory in Cookout Clash Triumph
Nascar CupFebruary 5, 2026NASCAR Cup Clash Officiating Under Scrutiny Following Chaotic Bowman Gray Encounter
Nascar CupFebruary 5, 2026Van Gisbergen Ignites NASCAR Clash with Rain-Soaked Surge Before Late-Race Calamity
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
Ali Akbar Rosady
Jonas Leo