August 4, 2025

RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece went through an eventful race in the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway. Preece started the race towards the back of the pack in the 33rd position and struggled throughout the first half of the race. The No. 60 Ford driver ended the first stage in 30th and then had to rely on pit strategy and running long under green in the middle of the second stage, hoping for a caution. On lap 171, Preece caught that caution and a lucky break that allowed him to make up massive track position. As a result, he was able to finish the second stage in the ninth position and gain two stage points. From there, Preece took advantage of the many cautions that kept happening due to spins and debris to move up through the field. Even when Preece went ahead to pit for fuel, he made up the ground against the field through various short runs, making it as high as third place on the final long green flag run. As the race continued under green, Preece's car faded in handling and speed to the point that he went back to the fifth position as Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney passed him. Preece finished the race in fifth at Iowa, marking the first time ever that Preece scored back-to-back top-5 finishes in his Cup career. He is also now 23 points behind his teammate, Chris Buescher, for the final spot to make the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with three races to go. --Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com