Ever wondered what it's like to have a racing partner who really understands the pressure? Ryan Preece, the RFK Racing driver, recently experienced a mix of triumph and potential marital strife after his Las Vegas performance. After a nail-biting race, Preece is heading home, and he anticipates a less-than-enthusiastic welcome from his wife, Heather DesRochers.
Preece's recent performance at the Roval was a highlight, finishing sixth and marking his first top-10 in nine races. Given his track record on 1.5-mile tracks, expectations were high for Las Vegas. In fact, in the last seven starts, he had five top-10 finishes.
However, the Las Vegas race presented its challenges. Starting from 16th position, Preece fought through a tough race. He finished Stage 1 in 14th place, then dropped to 31st in Stage 2, only to claw his way back in the final stage.
Preece drove his #60 RFK car through the field in the closing laps, ultimately finishing in ninth place. A speeding penalty, however, disrupted their momentum, forcing the team to work hard to recover late in the race.
Preece acknowledged the team's effort, saying, “We had that little opportunity with 15 to go, and we took advantage of it and drove from 20th to ninth. And really, I thought, probably could have been top six. I just need to be a little bit more patient with some of the things I’m learning, but I’m really proud of this Sysco/crumbl Ford Mustang.”
And this is the part most people miss... When asked about returning home to his newborn son, Preece quipped with a familiar humor, “Yeah, I think I’m gonna go home to a wife who is gonna be pretty upset that I sped, but I am gonna be happy to be home with my wife and kids.”
But here's where it gets controversial... DesRochers isn't just a spectator; she's a racer herself. She knows the ins and outs of the sport, and she doesn't hesitate to offer her honest opinion.
Their shared passion began in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway. DesRochers' father, also a racer, owned the same type of car Preece was working on. By 2011, the pair competed in the SK Modified Series, with Preece winning the championship and DesRochers earning Rookie of the Year.
Their competitive spirit on the track blossomed into a relationship off it, culminating in their marriage in 2017. DesRochers also made her mark in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program in 2010 and 2011, further establishing her presence in the sport.
This shared understanding provides Preece with an advantage, but it also comes with a dose of tough love. Having a partner who's been in the driver's seat means he gets unfiltered feedback, keeping him grounded and accountable.
With only three races left on the schedule, Preece has three more opportunities to secure his first Cup win, and perhaps earn a nod of approval from his toughest critic at home.
What do you think? Do you think having a racing partner makes the highs higher and the lows lower? Share your thoughts in the comments!
