Ryan Preece is embracing his New England roots while seeking the last spot in NASCAR’s Chase

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — As NASCAR Cup Series title contenders prepare for this weekend's races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, one driver, Ryan Preece, is embracing his New England roots while vying for the final spot in the Chase. Preece, a driver for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, is currently ranked 50 points behind Shane van Gisbergen for the last position in the Chase. With two races remaining in the regular season, Preece understands the pressure but insists he needs a "home run" to secure his spot.

Born and raised in Berlin, Connecticut, Preece has spent the past week competing in minor league races across New England with his family-owned team, Ryan Preece Motorsports. The team includes locals with nicknames like "John the Plumber," who have been supporting Preece since his teenage years. Preece emphasizes the importance of racing alongside familiar faces, enjoying the fun and camaraderie that comes with it.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway, known as "The Magic Mile," offers a crucial opportunity for Preece, who has 40 NASCAR starts at the track compared to Shane van Gisbergen's two starts. Preece believes his New England heritage gives him an edge at the track, where his family has a long history of racing. He acknowledges that Shane van Gisbergen excels on road courses, but feels more comfortable racing on short, flat ovals like New Hampshire.

Preece's career highlight at New Hampshire was a Modified Series victory in 2021, a memory he hopes to build upon with a Cup Series win. He expressed his love for the track, having raced there since he was 16 years old. As the season progresses, Preece remains focused on his goal of making the Chase.