It was announced Thursday morning that former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece will take on a multi-faceted role at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2022.
“A lot like everything in my career, it’s just one puzzle piece led to the next. It’s a great opportunity for myself to work with Stewart-Haas and Ford Performance and soak in everything they have to offer and all their tools,” Preece said on the latest edition of the Unmuffled podcast.
It was a long-awaited announcement for Preece, who has run the last three years in the NASCAR Cup Series for JTG Daugherty Racing. In addition to serving as a backup driver and simulator driver for Stewart-Haas, the agreement with the organization will put Preece on the track for two Cup Series events, three Xfinity Series events and seven Camping World Truck Series races.
“I want to show up and win,” Preece said. “I want to have the ability when I walk into the gate or through to the tunnel to feel like I have a shot that day. I feel like the last three years have certainly been learning experiences. and some that I’m really grateful for, but it’s time for me to give myself the best opportunity to make a name for myself.”
To hear plenty more from Preece about his new role at Stewart-Haas, and also find out what it all means for his Modified racing plans in 2022, listen to the latest edition of Unmuffled.
Preece has been secured to replace Harvick when he stops driving, which could be soon, and/or to let the other team drivers know there is a very hungry and supremely qualified driver in the house that is ready to take their seat when they falter.
Great to see him compete in rides that are capable of winning again. Hopefully this leads to more rides for him with the Stewart / Haas organization in the future.
Looks like there’s a vacancy at Stewart/Haas in 2023!
Eric Almarola announced 2022 will be his last year full time cup racing. Hopefully Preece can slide righ into that opening in 2023.