Bold takeaway: 2025 proved that Ryan Preece is transforming from a solid competitor into a legitimate championship contender, even as the playoff landscape shifted around him. And this is the part most people miss: the real story isn’t just the wins or the lack thereof, but the clear step forward in consistency, mindset, and team chemistry that sets the stage for a breakthrough in 2026.
Ryan Preece, driving the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford, wrapped up the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series in 18th place in the final standings. Under the guidance of crew chief Derrick Finley, he posted zero wins but delivered 3 top-fives and 14 top-10s, while leading 133 laps. The year stayed competitive for most of the regular season, with Preece remaining in playoff contention until the margins finally slipped by 66 points, as RFK Racing’s full bid fell just short of the postseason. Still, he closed strong, logging seven Top 15s in the last 10 races and recording four Top-10s in the final five events.
Best race and a potential career-defining moment came at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From a 23rd starting spot, Preece surged to lead 12 laps and pressed for victory as leaders staggered toward green-flag fuel numbers. Bubba Wallace crossed the line first on fumes, denying Preece a dramatic win and a potential playoff-boosting milestone, but the performance showcased Preece’s ability to mix strategy, speed, and grit on one of NASCAR’s grandest stages.
Other season highlights underline a steady upward trajectory. A Las Vegas podium early in the year kicked off a string of three straight Top-10 finishes. The Indy race was followed by a fifth at Iowa, further reinforcing his capability on both ovals and intermediate tracks. Strong runs on the spring schedule—Top 10s at Kansas and Charlotte—plus a seventh in the challenging Chicago Street Course, demonstrated versatility across diverse venues. Although his strongest single- race metric came at Talladega in April, where he posted the best Driver Rating over 500 miles, a disqualification after the checkered flag negated that result—an unfortunate reminder that results aren’t always in the driver’s control.
Stat to know: Average finish of 15.7 in 2025 marks Preece’s best Cup Series season to date, far surpassing his 2023 mark of 20.8 during his first full year with Stewart-Haas Racing, a team that no longer exists. This lift in consistency is a telling sign of progress that fans can reasonably expect to carry into 2026.
Quotable: “A mindset shift played a big role, plus joining RFK and seeing what Brad [Keselowski] has helped build and expand here. We’re frustrated we didn’t make the playoffs, but there’s enormous potential among all three of us, and I’m excited for that. For me, it came down to a change in mindset and the incredible group of people rallying around a shared goal.” — Preece at Phoenix Raceway before the season finale, reflecting on his first RFK Racing campaign.
Looking ahead: In 2026, Preece returns to the No. 60 Ford with renewed postseason ambitions. He’s still chasing his first playoff appearance in six full-time Cup seasons, and the prevailing expectation is that he will seize his first victory if the consistency curve continues to rise. With a clearer path to success and a proven working relationship with RFK’s leadership, a breakout season feels within reach for the New England native.
