CONCORD, N.C. — Ryan Preece has fallen to 18th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with six races remaining in the regular season.
The driver of the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford is hoping to secure a spot in the Chase by finishing in the top 16 in the standings. With a series of tracks that fall in his wheelhouse on the horizon, beginning this weekend at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, Preece is confident in his chances.
“Yeah. I’m biased, for sure, when it comes to short-track racing and the racing that it provides, especially with the way the tire and all of that has gone. So, I feel really good about it,” Preece said on a Ford conference call with the media. “North Wilkesboro, Iowa, New Hampshire, those are all places that I’ve had success at and I look forward to going to, and I feel like attrition and taking care of your tires and the things you learn throughout the steps to get to Cup level, these are where they really come into play.
“I did a little bit of studying last night watching the Open and the All-Star last year and what you’re gonna really have to focus on, so one week at a time and feeling prepared.”
Preece, who is currently 28 points behind the cutoff for the Chase, knows the time is now.
“To me, I look at every week as an opportunity to go out and have strong runs and ultimately you go out and get a lot of stage points and a win or top five, you’re talking about being above the cut line,” Preece said. “It took two weeks to get plus-13 or plus-whatever, so I’m looking at it for sure, but all it is is just helping me understand what our goal needs to be that week.
“Right now, I don’t want good luck, I don’t want bad luck, I don’t want any luck. I just want to have a solid week and North Wilkesboro is a place that we can do that, so I feel good about it. In owner’s points we’re only about two points or whatever it is out, so we’re gonna work hard to get back above that cut line.”
Preece believes such pressure-packed situations go with the territory.
“It’s what professional sports is. I’m used to the highs of highs and the lows of lows and I’ll be honest with you, nothing in life – I’ve been through championship battles, I’ve done all that. Just because I’m racing to get in the Chase, this isn’t any different from the feeling of when you’re 22 years old and at the time the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is your Cup Series and you’re in an absolute grind with whoever it is you’re racing,” Preece said. “We’ve been through these scenarios before, it’s just that this one is on a national stage.
“When I think back to 2017, I risked a lot of money financially to bet on myself, so I’m used to it. I’m numb to it. So, moving forward, every week is an opportunity to go out and succeed.
“I love when people bet against me. That’s what I live for, so I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.”
