Ryan Preece Tops Final Daytona 500 Practice Amidst Handling Worries

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Preece of RFK Racing set the pace in the final practice session for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, clocking in at 192.819 mph. Despite his speed, Preece expressed concerns about his car’s handling, indicating that improvements are still needed before Sunday’s iconic race. The session, characterized by a subdued atmosphere, saw a limited number of cars take to the track, with only 18 of the 41 scheduled starters participating.

The practice session was largely uneventful, with minimal on-track incidents. Early in the session, a pack of Fords from RFK Racing and Team Penske, joined by a few Chevrolet entries, engaged in some drafting runs. Notably, Jimmie Johnson was the sole Toyota driver to venture onto the track, opting to stay out of the main drafting groups. Casey Mears, who secured his spot in the Daytona 500 through a dramatic last-minute run, made his track debut in this session after two days of repairs. BJ McLeod, who qualified for the race following an inspection failure by Anthony Alfredo, showcased his No. 78 car with a new sponsor, RepairableVehicles.com, gaining valuable television exposure.

While many teams elected to skip the final practice, likely focusing on pre-race inspections and ensuring their cars are race-ready, Denny Hamlin was observed in a more relaxed pursuit, fishing on Lake Lloyd adjacent to the track.

Preece, despite his leading lap time, acknowledged that his No. 41 Ford sustained damage during the Duel qualifying race, necessitating a nose replacement. "I know they’re going to do everything they possibly can, that’s for sure," Preece stated regarding his team’s efforts to optimize the car. "It was really fast on Thursday. So, they had to replace the nose. At least they have some notes and maybe we can adjust on it. But, yeah, it was pretty tough. It’s important when you’re that fifth, fourth car to keep those guys racked to make speed. And, you know, we were definitely able to do that on Thursday and just struggled a little bit there. But, you know, it’s not for the lack of trying, and I know these guys are going to do everything they have to make sure that we’re really fast tomorrow."

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Looking ahead to race conditions, Preece expressed anticipation of potential challenges related to the car’s handling. "I’m curious because I think handling is probably going to be a little bit more of an issue than we all think," he commented. "And, yeah, I don’t know. You know, there’s a lot of things that are running through my mind right now. But, yeah, you know, I feel like one thing I do know is the Fords are fast, and we’ll try to be one of those guys that are up front."

The RFK Racing contingent demonstrated strong performance, securing a 1-2-3 finish in the practice session with Preece leading. Following closely behind were other notable drivers, with Ryan Blaney of Team Penske placing fourth and Joey Logano, also from Team Penske, in fifth. Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing was the highest-finishing Chevrolet in sixth, followed by Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports, AJ Allmendinger of Kaulig Racing, BJ McLeod, and Cody Ware rounding out the top ten.

The field for the Daytona 500 represents a diverse mix of established contenders and determined newcomers. RFK Racing, co-owned by NASCAR legends Brad Keselowski and Bob Jenkins, has shown promising speed throughout the weekend, with both Keselowski and Preece consistently near the top of the speed charts. Team Penske, a perennial powerhouse in NASCAR, also appears to have strong contenders in Blaney and Logano, both seasoned Daytona 500 competitors.

Chevrolet teams, represented by Hendrick Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing, will be looking to make their mark. Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, and his teammate William Byron are always considered threats at Daytona. Ross Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style, will be aiming to leverage the drafting dynamics of the superspeedway.

The presence of drivers like Jimmie Johnson, an accomplished seven-time Cup Series champion, in a Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, underscores the competitive landscape. While Johnson’s practice session was limited, his experience at Daytona is unparalleled. Casey Mears, making a return to the Cup Series after a hiatus, demonstrated his capability to qualify for the prestigious event, adding an element of veteran presence.

The Daytona 500, often dubbed "The Great American Race," is renowned for its unpredictable nature and the high stakes involved. The drafting pack on a superspeedway can lead to unexpected outcomes, with fortunes changing in an instant. The aerodynamic turbulence generated by the tightly packed cars often results in dramatic multi-car incidents, commonly referred to as "the Big One." This year’s edition is no exception, with teams meticulously preparing their machines to withstand the rigors of 500 miles of high-speed racing.

The track’s history is rich with memorable moments and underdog victories. Drivers who can effectively navigate the draft, conserve their equipment, and avoid the inevitable cautions are often the ones who contend for the win. Preece’s performance in practice, while showing speed, also highlights the critical balance between raw pace and the nuanced handling required to succeed at Daytona. The ability of his RFK Racing team to make the necessary adjustments overnight will be a key factor in his Sunday prospects.

The final practice session serves as a crucial barometer for teams, allowing them to fine-tune their race setups and gather vital data on tire wear, fuel mileage, and drafting dynamics. The relatively low participation in this session suggests that many teams have confidence in their current packages and are prioritizing meticulous preparation over extensive track time. The focus now shifts to race day, where the true test of strategy, execution, and a bit of luck will determine the victor of the 2026 Daytona 500.

The 68th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled to commence on Sunday, marking the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the green flag to witness the culmination of months of preparation and the start of a new championship battle. The unpredictable nature of this historic race ensures that any driver, from the seasoned champion to the determined newcomer, has a chance to etch their name into NASCAR lore. The focus remains on how drivers like Preece, Blaney, and Chastain will adapt to the demands of the track and each other as the race unfolds.

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