A Day of Racing and Compassion
Ryan Preece, a Berlin native and NASCAR Cup Series driver, returned to his home state for a whirlwind day that mixed community outreach with a taste of local flavor. The visit began at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, where he joined young patients for a lively session of Mario Kart and other games, offering a brief escape from the hospital routine.
Next, Preece headed to On Track Karting’s Go Time in Wallingford, where he swapped his stock‑car helmet for a go‑kart and raced alongside a group of enthusiastic kids. The track’s energetic atmosphere gave the driver a chance to feel the same rush he experiences on the superspeedways, but on a much smaller scale.
The day’s final stop was at Sally’s Apizza in New Haven, a storied pizzeria known for its coal‑oven pies. While sampling a slice, Preece learned about the restaurant’s history and the role it plays in the local community, underscoring the deep roots he maintains in Connecticut.
Preece’s schedule will soon shift to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he is slated to compete in both the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race and the Dollar Tree 301 NASCAR Cup Series event. The weekend’s lineup also includes the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and a host of off‑track activities such as concerts, driver appearances, and fireworks, all designed to enhance the fan experience.
Tickets for the New Hampshire weekend are available through NHMS.com, with special pricing for children, making the event accessible to families. Fans can stay updated on all the action by following New Hampshire Motor Speedway on social media and checking the speedway’s website for real‑time announcements.
Reflecting on the day, Preece expressed his affection for Connecticut, noting how the blend of giving back and enjoying familiar locales fuels his passion for the sport. His experience highlights a growing trend in NASCAR where drivers leverage their platform to support local causes while preparing for the next competitive challenge.