A Local Driver’s Chase Push
Ryan Preece, a New England native, finds himself in the thick of the NASCAR Chase battle with just two races left in the regular season. Sitting 50 points behind Shane van Gisbergen, the Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver knows that every lap at New Hampshire Motor Speedway could swing the standings.
What sets Preece apart is his intimate connection to the region. He has embraced the local racing culture, spending time with the family‑owned team that bears his name and working alongside crew members who have grown up on the same short tracks. The tradition of the ‘Loudon the Lobster’ trophy, a nod to the area’s maritime heritage, adds a layer of pride that fuels his push.
His familiarity with the 1‑mile oval runs deep; Preece has logged 40 NASCAR starts at the venue, a track he first conquered in the Modified Series with a last‑lap pass in 2021. The moniker ‘The Magic Mile’ is more than a nickname — it is a proving ground where he hopes to translate past success into a Chase‑securing performance.
Recent on‑track dynamics add another layer of intrigue. Ford drivers have dominated the speedway in recent years, leading 275 of 301 laps a year ago, and the upcoming race’s odds place Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano at the top of the betting board. Yet Preece’s local crew, including longtime supporters nicknamed ‘John the Plumber,’ remains confident that home‑field advantage can tip the scales.
Shane van Gisbergen, though a recent addition to the stock car circuit, brings a road‑course pedigree that has raised questions about his adaptability to ovals. His limited experience on banked tracks could be a decisive factor as the series heads into the final stretch.
Meanwhile, Christopher Bell’s team arrives refreshed after a mid‑season break, a pause that may have sharpened their focus heading into the decisive races.
Hendrick Motorsports, the most decorated organization in NASCAR history, last captured victory at New Hampshire in July 2012 with Kasey Kahne, a reminder that the track has long been a stage for historic moments.