Ryan Jeffrey Preece Bio
Ryan Jeffrey Preece (born October 25, 1990) is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing. Preece has a diverse racing background, including championships and wins in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and participation across multiple NASCAR national series.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Preece was born in Berlin, Connecticut, to Jeff and Jodie Preece and is the youngest of three sons. He graduated from Xavier High School in 2009. Preece’s early exposure to racing began in the Northeastern Midget Association and SK Modified Series, where he won the championship at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2011. His future wife, Heather DesRochers, was the Rookie of the Year in the same series that year.
His family background includes strong ties to racing, with both Preece and DesRochers competing in regional series. This foundation helped shape his path toward professional stock car racing.
Path to NASCAR
Preece’s racing career started in 2007 in the Northeastern Midget Association. He quickly progressed, winning the SK Modified Series championship in 2011. His success in regional modified racing led to opportunities in NASCAR’s national series.
He made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 2013 and gradually advanced through the ranks, gaining experience in the Xfinity Series, Camping World Truck Series, and the Cup Series. His breakthrough came with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, where he earned multiple wins and top finishes.
Ryan Jeffrey Preece Career
Early Career (2007–2013)
Preece began racing in 2007 and competed in the Northeastern Midget Association, achieving his first podium in 2008. He won the SK Modified Series championship in 2011, establishing himself as a rising talent in regional stock car racing.
He also competed in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, finishing as runner-up in 2009 and 2012 before winning the championship in 2013 with four wins in fourteen races for Flamingo Motorsports.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Breakthrough (2009–2014)
Preece’s tenure in the Whelen Modified Tour was marked by consistent success. After finishing second twice, he captured the series championship in 2013. He continued to perform strongly in 2014, winning the last two races and finishing second in the standings.
NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series (2013–Present)
Preece debuted in the Nationwide Series in 2013 and secured his first Xfinity Series win at Iowa Speedway in 2017 driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He also won the Dash 4 Cash bonus at Bristol that year. Preece competed part-time in the Xfinity Series through 2019 with JR Motorsports, achieving multiple top-ten finishes.
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Preece made his debut in 2015 and drove full-time for JTG Daugherty Racing in 2019 and 2020. He faced challenges including multiple DNFs but gained valuable experience. In 2022, Stewart–Haas Racing hired him as a reserve and part-time driver. He won his first Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway in 2022 while driving for David Gilliland Racing.
In 2023, Preece replaced Cole Custer in the No. 41 car for Stewart–Haas Racing. Despite struggles and a major crash at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, he returned to racing quickly. In 2024, he continues with Stewart–Haas Racing until the team announced it would cease NASCAR operations at the end of the season. RFK Racing announced Preece would drive the No. 60 full-time in 2025.
RFK Racing Era (2025–Present)
Starting in 2025, Ryan Preece will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing. This move marks a new chapter in his career following Stewart–Haas Racing’s exit from NASCAR.
Driving Style and Strengths
Preece is known for his adaptability across different track types and series. His experience in modified and national NASCAR series has honed his racecraft and strategic skills. He maintains a strong partnership with crew chief Derrick Finley, contributing to his competitive performances.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key moments in Preece’s career include his 2013 Whelen Modified Tour championship, his first Xfinity Series win at Iowa in 2017, and his first Truck Series victory at Nashville in 2022. His resilience was evident after surviving a violent crash at the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 and returning to competition promptly.
Ryan Jeffrey Preece Career Wins
Ryan Preece has accumulated wins across multiple NASCAR series, including the Whelen Modified Tour, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series. His victories demonstrate versatility and competitiveness in various racing disciplines.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Highlights
Preece won the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship with four wins in fourteen races. He also secured multiple race victories in 2014, finishing second in the standings that year.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
In the Xfinity Series, Preece earned his first win at Iowa Speedway in 2017 and captured the Dash 4 Cash bonus at Bristol the same year. He consistently finished in the top ten during his part-time runs through 2019.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Highlights
Preece made an impressive Truck Series debut in 2021 and won his first race at Nashville Superspeedway in 2022, leading 74 laps and winning Stage 2. This victory highlighted his ability to compete at a high level in multiple NASCAR divisions.
Ryan Jeffrey Preece Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ryan Preece comes from a family supportive of his racing career. His parents, Jeff and Jodie Preece, raised him in Berlin, Connecticut. His wife, Heather DesRochers, is also a racing driver who competed in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and was Rookie of the Year in the SK Modified Series.
Personal Life
Preece married Heather DesRochers in 2017. The couple has two children: a daughter named Rebecca Marie, born in 2023, and a son named Bentley, born in 2025. Their shared passion for racing has been a significant part of their relationship.
2025 Season Performance
Ryan Preece is set to drive full-time for RFK Racing in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, piloting the No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This opportunity follows Stewart–Haas Racing’s announcement to cease NASCAR operations at the end of 2024. Preece’s move to RFK Racing represents a fresh start and the potential to build momentum with a competitive team and manufacturer.
His prior experience across NASCAR’s top series and resilience through challenging seasons position him well for success. The 2025 season will be pivotal in establishing Preece’s presence with RFK Racing and pursuing higher finishes and playoff contention.
