RFK Racing Unveils Ryan Preece's Full-Time 2025 Drive

Nov 19, 2024 at 4:55 PM
RFK Racing took a significant step on Tuesday by officially confirming the long-anticipated addition of Ryan Preece. This move marks a new era for the team as Preece will be at the helm of the No. 60 Ford throughout the 2025 season. The signing was made possible by Kroger's decision to leave JTG-Daugherty Racing and join forces with RFK. Kroger will serve as a primary sponsor not only for Preece but also for Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher throughout the season.

Why Kroger Chose RFK

During a press conference announcing the move, Kroger executive Brent Cox shed light on why the sponsor decided to end its longstanding relationship with JTG-Daugherty and join RFK. "Kroger has been involved in racing for a while, and we were really looking to get to a bigger team to have more opportunities to go out and win some races," Cox said via Adam Stern of the Sports-Business Journal. While Kroger has had some significant wins with JTG-Daugherty, like Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Daytona 500 victory, they have been inconsistent. RFK's emergence under Keselowski's leadership seems to offer a better chance of reaching Victory Lane more frequently.

Kroger's partnership with RFK Racing holds great promise. The team's newfound stability and the addition of a major sponsor like Kroger could lead to more consistent success on the track. This move also showcases RFK's ability to attract top talent and secure valuable sponsorships in a competitive racing landscape.

For Kroger, the decision to join RFK is a strategic one. By aligning with a team that has the potential for growth and success, they can enhance their brand visibility and connect with a wider audience. The opportunity to be a part of a team that is focused on winning races is too good to pass up.

Ryan Preece's Journey to RFK

Ryan Preece, 34, makes the leap to RFK after spending the last two seasons driving the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing. SHR officially closed its doors after the 2024 Cup Series finale at Phoenix earlier this month. Preece's former teammates, Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, and Noah Gragson, have all signed deals with Joe Gibbs Racing, Wood Brothers Racing, and Front Row Motorsports, respectively, for 2025. Preece finished 23rd in the points standings in 2023 and 26th this past season.

Joining RFK Racing is a new chapter in Preece's career. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a competitive spirit that will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success. With the support of a major sponsor like Kroger and the leadership of Brad Keselowski, Preece has the opportunity to achieve great things on the track.

RFK Racing is excited to have Preece on board. His skills and determination will add depth to the team's lineup and help them pursue their goals of winning races. Preece's arrival also brings a sense of continuity to RFK, as he joins a team that has been making significant strides in recent years.

RFK's Current Lineup and Performance

Brad Keselowski, the RFK co-owner, currently pilots the flagship No. 6 car, while Chris Buescher is in the No. 17. Both drivers have been key in revitalizing RFK, winning five races combined since the beginning of the 2023 season. In addition to Keselowski and Buescher, RFK had multiple drivers run the No. 60 car for select races in 2024. David Ragan ran the Daytona 500, while Cam Waters was behind the wheel at Sonoma. Joey Hand piloted the car to a P4 finish in the Chicago Street Race in July. RFK, formerly Roush Fenway Racing, has been a two-car operation full-time in the Cup Series since 2017.

The performance of RFK's current drivers has been impressive. Keselowski's leadership and Buescher's skill have helped the team establish itself as a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Ryan Preece will only strengthen their lineup and give them a better chance of achieving even greater success.

RFK's two-car operation has been a model of consistency and competitiveness. The team's ability to adapt to different drivers and track conditions has been a key factor in their success. With Preece joining the fold, RFK is poised to take their performance to the next level.

In conclusion, Kroger and RFK Racing seem to be a perfect match. The addition of Ryan Preece and Kroger's sponsorship will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team's future. As RFK continues to grow and evolve, they are well-positioned to become a dominant force in NASCAR.