A Make-or-Break Weekend
Ryan Preece sits 50 points behind Shane Van Gisbergen in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase, and a 25‑point penalty on his car compounds the challenge. The deficit forces him to chase every stage point at New Hampshire and Daytona, the two tracks that can reshape the playoff picture.
His team, RFK Racing, is counting on a strong qualifying effort and early stage runs to close the gap. Preece has said he would rather be ahead of competitors like Chris Buescher, emphasizing that positioning early can pay dividends when attrition hits.
The strategy hinges on securing stage points as soon as the race begins, a tactic that proved pivotal for Joey Logano earlier in the season when a strong finish vaulted him up the standings. Logano’s recent climb illustrates how a single solid performance can shift momentum in the Chase.
Preece’s confidence in Daytona is tempered by the reality of a 25‑point hole, but he remains focused on turning the tide. With the championship window narrowing, the upcoming events could define whether he stays in contention or falls further behind.