{
  "id": 2670617,
  "title": "Ryan Preece is embracing his New England roots while seeking the last spot in NASCAR’s Chase",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/ryan-preece-is-embracing-his-new-england-roots-while-seeking-the-last-2670617",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T22:53:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/nascar-new-hampshire-preece-b5c933464333cf2d683bbf720aa7e9cc"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amid the intense pressure and focus on securing a NASCAR Cup Series title, driver Ryan Preece is taking a more relaxed approach while staying connected to his New England roots. The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver currently sits in the Chase bubble, trailing his teammate Shane van Gisbergen by 50 points for the final spot. With only two races remaining in the regular season, Preece has set his sights on a \"home run\" to secure his position.\n\nDespite the high-stakes situation, Preece isn't isolating himself from his hometown and familiar faces. Instead, he has wholeheartedly embraced his New England roots, drawing strength from the support of his family-owned team. Ryan Preece Motorsports boasts a crew of local associates, including team members with nicknames like \"John the Plumber,\" who have been by Preece's side since his teenage years. The 35-year-old driver emphasizes the importance of racing with those he knows well, as it allows him to focus on the thrill of competition rather than analyzing opponents' strategies.\n\nFor Preece, the 1.058-mile flat oval at New Hampshire Motor Speedway presents a vital opportunity. His recent finish at Richmond Raceway left him 21 points further behind his 16th-place standing in the Chase. The driver believes that racing more often is key to staying ahead of the competition, as it reduces the need for constant predictions about opponents' actions.",
  "summary": "LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Amid the attention and pressure of racing for NASCAR Cup Series title stakes this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Preece is hanging loose with his hometown crowd. The Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}