Podcast Summary: Ryan Preece: Race The S* Out Of It**

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dale Jr. Download
• Host/Author: Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM
• Episode: Ryan Preece: Race The S*** Out Of It
• Release Date: July 30, 2025
• Description: NASCAR’s 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his podcast, offering unparalleled perspective and candid commentary into the life of a broadcaster and celebrated racer.

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dale Jr. Download, host Mike Davis sits down with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece. The conversation delves deep into Ryan's racing journey, his relationship with his father, pivotal career moments, and the challenges he has overcome to reach the pinnacle of stock car racing.

Early Racing Days and Family Influence

Ryan Preece's passion for racing ignited at a young age, heavily influenced by his family's involvement in motorsports.

• Ryan Preece: "It was the same track as Joey Logano. So we came in a year after him. And that was really what started the bug for me." (07:03)

Growing up in Berlin, Connecticut, Ryan recalls his father building late models and fostering a racing environment.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "We built them for ourselves. That's where a lot of my memories came from." (04:00)

Ryan began racing quarter midgets at six years old, sharing his first race car with his older brothers until he soon ventured into more competitive categories like go-karts and modifieds.

Transition to Competitive Racing

Ryan's dedication and natural talent led him to significant successes in his early teens.

• Ryan Preece: "When I was 13, I won out there at Indianapolis Speedway. Racing against adults was intense, but it fueled my desire to compete at higher levels." (07:03) (paraphrased)

His first major win in 2008 at New Smyrna marked the beginning of a promising racing career.

• Ryan Preece: "Winning that night in 2008 was when everything started clicking hard. It felt like yesterday." (09:25)

Building a Racing Career Amidst Challenges

Navigating the financial burdens of racing, Ryan made pivotal decisions to sustain his career without over-relying on his family's resources.

• Ryan Preece: "I didn't want my father and my family to go broke because we were racing. I had to find my own way." (29:44)

This determination led him to take bold steps, such as racing modifieds while simultaneously seeking opportunities in higher-tier series.

Breakthrough into the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Ryan's perseverance paid off when he caught the attention of Tommy Baldwin in 2013, securing his first race with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in the Xfinity Series.

• Ryan Preece: "That race at New Hampshire where we finished second to Kyle Larson was a turning point. It changed my life." (41:12)

Despite financial constraints, Ryan leveraged sponsorships and personal investments to race effectively, demonstrating his capability to compete against seasoned drivers.

Stepping Up to the NASCAR Cup Series

In 2019, Ryan made the strategic decision to transition to the NASCAR Cup Series, replacing AJ Allmendinger in the No. 47 car for JGR.

• Ryan Preece: "Moving to the Cup Series was a huge risk, but it was a necessary step to advance my career." (48:52)

His move was fueled by support from key figures like Kevin Harvick, who provided mentorship and sponsorship assistance, enabling Ryan to compete at the highest level.

Team Dynamics and Performance Improvements

Joining the Cup Series introduced new challenges, including adapting to team dynamics and improving communication with his crew chief, Derek.

• Ryan Preece: "Communication was a massive barrier initially. Learning to effectively convey what I needed to improve the car was crucial." (52:15)

Collaborating closely with teammates like Chris Gabehart, Ryan honed his racecraft, leading to notable performances at iconic tracks like Daytona and Richmond.

Overcoming Crashes and Embracing Racing Philosophy

Ryan shared harrowing experiences from severe crashes, highlighting the importance of safety and mental resilience in racing.

• Ryan Preece: "When the car got completely quiet and I was weightless in the air, I closed my eyes and wanted the ride to be over." (76:40)

These experiences reinforced his relentless approach to racing, focusing on execution and maintaining a winning mindset despite setbacks.

Current Season and Future Goals

As of the latest season, Ryan is focused on key races that align with his strengths, such as short tracks and road courses, aiming to secure his place in the playoffs.

• Ryan Preece: "I live for those high-pressure moments. Executing a solid restart and pushing aggressively is what drives me." (86:38)

His strategic approach emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and leveraging opportunities to maximize performance.

Reflections and Advice

Ryan reflects on his journey, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, effective communication, and building a strong support system.

• Ryan Preece: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard enough." (69:42)

He encourages aspiring racers to bet on themselves and seize opportunities, even when faced with significant risks.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Mike Davis commending Ryan's resilience and strategic mindset, portraying him as a deserving and inspiring figure in NASCAR. Ryan's story underscores the essence of dedication, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the demanding world of stock car racing.

Notable Quotes:

• "I bet on myself and won that bet multiple times over." — Ryan Preece (97:08)
• "Communication was a massive barrier initially." — Ryan Preece (52:15)
• "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard enough." — Ryan Preece (69:42)
• "I live for those high-pressure moments." — Ryan Preece (86:38)

Key Takeaways:

• Ryan Preece's early exposure to racing through family and local tracks set the foundation for his professional career.
• Financial challenges in motorsports required Ryan to strategically seek sponsorships and make critical career moves.
• Transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series was a pivotal moment, facilitated by mentorship and support from established figures like Kevin Harvick.
• Effective communication and teamwork have been essential in improving Ryan's performance at the highest level.
• Ryan's experiences with crashes have deepened his appreciation for safety and resilience in racing.
• His current focus on leveraging strengths in specific racing formats aims to secure playoff positions and further career advancements.

Ryan Preece's journey exemplifies the blend of talent, perseverance, and strategic decision-making necessary to succeed in the competitive arena of NASCAR racing.