Notes of Interest
● Ryan Preece and the No. 41 HaasTooling.com team from Stewart-Haas Racing aim to maintain their momentum as they head to Kansas Speedway in Kansas City for the Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. Following a solid seventh-place finish in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Preece has secured his second top-10 finish in succession and his fourth of the season. Remarkably, he has been the top-performing Stewart-Haas driver in three of the past six races, achieving his fourth straight result of 18th or better. He completed the race in 12th place on Sept. 1 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, followed by 18th on Sept. 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, ninth on Sept. 15 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, and seventh last Saturday at Bristol.
● This weekend’s 267-lap event will mark Preece’s 10th start in the NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas, and his fourth with Stewart-Haas. His best result at Kansas came in October 2019 when he finished 12th after starting 28th with JTG Daugherty Racing. For Stewart-Haas, Preece’s best performance at Kansas occurred in September 2023, where he started 28th and finished 18th.
● Aside from the NASCAR Cup Series, Preece has raced at Kansas three times, with two starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His single Truck Series appearance in September 2022 resulted in a third-place finish from a seventh-place start with David Gilliland Racing. Preece’s last Xfinity Series race at Kansas was promising; he started seventh with Joe Gibbs Racing, quickly moved into the top five, and finished third in the opening stage. Unfortunately, a multi-car incident on lap 91 of the 200-lap race ended his chances for a better result, and he ended up finishing 21st.
● Sherry Pollex will be honored during the Hollywood Casino 400, riding along with Preece. A decal on the passenger-side window of Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will spotlight Pollex’s courageous, nine-year fight against ovarian cancer. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation and the NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero program pay tribute to her legacy. Pollex passed away on Sept. 17, 2023, and during her battle, she championed numerous causes concerning childhood and ovarian cancers. She founded the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic at Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, and established SherryStrong.org to educate women about the importance of early detection and treatment options for ovarian cancer. Jerrod Deitchler nominated Pollex for the Honor a Cancer Hero program.
● Accompanying Preece and the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Kansas is HaasTooling.com, which is part of Haas Automation’s cutting tool division. HaasTooling.com enables CNC machinists to buy high-quality cutting tools at competitive prices. These tools are sold exclusively online and shipped directly to users. Founded in 1983, Haas Automation is a leading manufacturer of CNC machine tools in America, producing a wide range of vertical and horizontal machining centers, turning centers, rotaries, indexers, and automation solutions.
Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
You’ve had impressive finishes on intermediate tracks during the latter part of the season, including a fourth-place result at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway at the end of June. How do you believe this positive trend will influence your performance at Kansas this weekend?
“We’ve significantly improved on the mile-and-a-half tracks and made great strides. If we can keep progressing and focus on enhancing our short-run speed, that could be key to transforming our performance. Kansas is a track where having a competitive car that can run top speed is essential. I’m feeling quite positive about our direction. It’s critical to maintain our focus on consistency, maximize our practice and qualifying sessions, and perform well during the race. That means I must be sharp, and we need to be strategic and efficient on pit road. All of our efforts need to align.”
Things are coming together, and while not all the results might reflect this, progress is being made. The team is dedicated to integrating all aspects and making the most of our efforts. If we can maintain consistency through the end of the year, we can expect improved results to continue coming in.”
What specific obstacles do you face in achieving a complete race at Kansas compared to other intermediate tracks?
“Kansas truly stands out from the rest because the outside lane is the one that dominates. You must navigate the track and find opportunities where others cannot if you want a successful run there. Typically, Kansas presents challenges with a loose car. The wind can vary significantly between corners, so finding an optimal balance is crucial. And, as is often the case, track position becomes paramount. Our team has been diligently working to discover the right setup for these tracks. We’ll place great importance on qualifying well and starting in a favorable position. It all comes down to where you are on the track; that’s the key factor. We’ve witnessed this throughout the season. If you secure track position, it can lead to a great day, so that’s our aim. If we can achieve a strong starting position and perform effectively on the track, I believe we can position ourselves well at the end.”
Can you draw any lessons from your experience at Kansas in May for this weekend’s race?
“Typically, conditions can differ significantly between our initial visit and the second. The spring race was cooler, and while this weekend is forecasted to be warmer, it shouldn’t be excessively hot, so we’ll need to see how it unfolds. Ultimately, it all hinges on what the racetrack offers us on Sunday.”
With only seven races remaining in your time with Stewart-Haas, what’s your mindset as you approach the conclusion of your tenure with the organization?
“My mindset remains unchanged, just as it has always been. I always approach each weekend focused on executing to win races. That’s our purpose here, right? To win and demonstrate our worth in this series. I’ve put in too much effort to be here for anything less, and I know my team shares this sentiment. I’m grateful to compete and fully aware of our potential. We’ve concentrated on consistency throughout the season. That commitment continues, even though we’re not vying for a championship. Every weekend, we’re striving for wins, and I believe if we keep evolving as a team until the very end, we’ll continuously achieve top-10 finishes and improve overall.”
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Ryan Preece Aims for Consistency as He Prepares for Kansas Speedway’s Hollywood Casino 400
Overview of Ryan Preece’s Career
Ryan Preece, a talented competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, continues to make his mark in the world of stock car racing. Known for his skillful driving and tactical approach, Preece has garnered attention not just for his performances, but also for his ambition to achieve consistency—a key factor in securing a successful season. As he gears up for the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, Preece is focused on translating his hard work into solid finishes.
Importance of Consistency in NASCAR
In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, consistency is crucial for success. Here’s why:
- Points Accumulation: Consistent finishes lead to more points, which are essential for playoffs qualification.
- Driver Confidence: Regularly finishing in the top spots builds confidence for both the driver and the team.
- Team Cohesion: Consistency fosters a stronger team dynamic, allowing crew members to work more effectively together.
Road to Kansas: Preece’s Recent Performances
Leading up to the Hollywood Casino 400, Ryan Preece has encountered a mixed bag of results. Here’s a snapshot of his recent races:
| Race | Finish Position | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona 500 | 18th | 31 |
| Auto Club 400 | 12th | 39 |
| Bristol Night Race | 15th | 37 |
| Richmond Raceway | 8th | 45 |
Training and Preparation for Kansas Speedway
As he prepares for the Hollywood Casino 400, Preece is doubling down on his training regimen. Here are some key aspects of his preparation:
1. Simulator Practice
Preece has been logging hours in the simulator to familiarize himself with the Kansas Speedway layout, focusing on car handling and tire management.
2. Analyzing Data
Post-race data analysis is critical. Preece’s team reviews telemetry and video footage from past races to identify areas for improvement.
3. Physical Conditioning
Being in peak physical shape is essential for a NASCAR driver. Preece engages in strength training and cardiovascular workouts to enhance his stamina during long races.
Benefits of Consistency for Ryan Preece
Achieving consistency offers several advantages for Preece and his team:
- Enhanced Performance: Consistent finishes improve overall performance metrics and help build a winning strategy.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsors are more likely to back a driver who demonstrates stable performance over time.
- Fan Base Growth: Consistency attracts fans who appreciate competitive racing and reliability.
Challenges Facing Ryan Preece
While Preece is determined to achieve consistency, he faces several challenges:
1. Competition
The current NASCAR field is filled with talented drivers, making it essential for Preece to stay sharp and competitive.
2. Technical Issues
Mechanical failures and setup issues can derail a race weekend, emphasizing the need for a well-prepared team.
3. Mental Pressure
As a driver, the mental aspect can be as demanding as the physical. Managing stress and maintaining focus during races are critical for success.
First-Hand Experience: Preece’s Journey in NASCAR
To understand Ryan Preece’s approach, let’s explore his personal journey and how he has navigated the highs and lows of NASCAR.
Early Days
Preece began his racing career in modified racing, where he quickly made a name for himself. His transition to the Cup Series was marked by determination and strategic planning.
Lessons Learned
Over the years, Preece has learned that each race is a new opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, regardless of the challenges faced on the track.
Fan Engagement and Community Support
Ryan Preece recognizes the significance of his fan base and actively engages with them through social media and events. Here’s how he connects with his followers:
- Social Media Updates: Regular updates on Twitter and Instagram keep fans informed and engaged.
- Fan Events: Preece often participates in meet-and-greet events, strengthening relationships with supporters.
- Charity Initiatives: He supports local charities, showcasing his commitment to the community beyond racing.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Ryan Preece
As Ryan Preece prepares for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, the focus remains on consistency. Here’s what lies ahead:
Upcoming Races
Following Kansas, Preece will need to maintain momentum as the NASCAR season progresses. Each race will be an opportunity to build on his strengths and address weaknesses.
Long-Term Goals
Preece aims not only for better finishes but also for a stronger standing in the NASCAR Cup Series. His long-term vision includes competing for race wins and ultimately, a championship title.
Conclusion
Ryan Preece is determined to solidify his position in the NASCAR Cup Series by striving for consistency. As he prepares for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his hard work pays off. With a solid plan in place, Preece has every chance to turn potential into performance on the racetrack.
