In a bold move ahead of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, RFK Racing has announced Ryan Preece as the driver of their newly expanded third entry, the No. 60 Ford Mustang. While Preece’s performance over the last two seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has been underwhelming, RFK Racing believes in his untapped potential, citing his success at the grassroots level as a key factor in their decision.
“Ryan Preece Was Our Guy from Day One”
Despite his struggles in the Cup Series, RFK Racing President Steve Newmark expressed confidence in Preece’s ability to thrive in a new environment. The team identified Preece as their ideal candidate early in discussions for their third full-time entry, emphasizing his impressive career in grassroots racing as a foundation for future success.
“Ryan Preece is who we identified from day one when discussing this third entry,” Newmark said. “His young talent from the grassroots level all the way up to the Cup Series is something that excites us moving forward.”
Preece, who has shown flashes of brilliance in lower-tier NASCAR series, now has the chance to redeem himself with RFK’s championship-aspiring program.
The Kroger Factor: RFK’s Secret Weapon
RFK’s decision to expand to a three-car team is bolstered by a major sponsorship deal with Kroger, which previously backed JTG Daugherty Racing. The addition of Kroger as a primary sponsor not only funds the No. 60 Ford Mustang but also strengthens RFK’s overall program.
“On behalf of the entire team at RFK, we can’t wait to roll out the No. 60 with Ryan Preece, and our larger Kroger partnership encompassing all three of our Ford Mustangs in 2025,” Newmark added.
This sponsorship marks a pivotal moment for RFK Racing. With Kroger’s financial backing and strategic vision, the team is in a position to challenge the NASCAR elite more aggressively.
A New Chapter for RFK Racing
The decision to expand is part of RFK’s long-term growth strategy, which has been years in the making. Newmark thanked Kroger and the Geschickter family for making the expansion a reality.
“Without Kroger’s commitment and the vision of Tad and Jodi Geschickter, we wouldn’t be in the position to grow with a third car in 2025 and beyond,” Newmark said. “Their support allows us to push the envelope and continue fulfilling our growth objectives.”
The No. 60 Ford Mustang marks a fresh chapter for RFK Racing, one built on a foundation of strategic partnerships, ambitious goals, and a belief in the potential of their drivers.
Can Preece Deliver?
For Ryan Preece, this opportunity is nothing short of a career reset. While his stint with SHR fell short of expectations, RFK is betting that their team culture, coupled with Kroger’s resources, can unlock the performance that Preece’s grassroots success hinted at.
The stakes are high: RFK Racing has experienced a resurgence in recent years, and adding a third car signals their intention to compete at the highest level. Whether Preece can rise to the occasion remains the big question.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With an expanded lineup and a reinvigorated sponsorship portfolio, RFK Racing is positioning itself as a serious contender for the 2025 season. Preece joins a team that is hungry for wins and championships, and his performance in the No. 60 Ford Mustang will be closely watched.
As RFK Racing rolls the dice on both their expansion and Preece’s potential, the 2025 season promises to be a pivotal year for the team’s future. Can this bold move pay off and solidify RFK’s status as a NASCAR powerhouse? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.