From the Modified ranks to a pair of NXS wins, Ryan Preece finally goes Cup racing in 2019.
Modified Motivation
As Ryan Preece made a career in the modifieds in New England, he was driven by success. Preece never let a question of “if” leave him debating about racing as a career. That drive and determination, along with his persistence, has given the Connecticut native a shot in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Prior to hitting the new “Roval” at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Preece was in the media center with JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschicter and competition director Ernie Cope.
Preece contacted JTG Daugherty Racing earlier this season after it was announced that AJ Allmendinger would not be back in the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro in 2019.
“It’s been many years of fighting for opportunities to compete and win races at NASCAR’s highest level,” Preece said. “And it is nice to officially say that JTG Daugherty Racing is my new home for 2019.”
With two victories with JGR in his part-time effort, and a name that many fans put at the top of their lists of drivers that needed a full time Cup series ride, Preece will realize that dream.
Future Drive
“I look forward to not only racing but working with the team, as well build speed and create a name for myself here,” Preece added. “I can’t thank [team owners] Tad and Jodi Geschickter, Brad Daugherty, and Gordon Smith enough for the opportunity.”
Tad Geschicter said after they first met with Ryan, they knew they couldn’t let this opportunity pass.
“We’ve been in this situation before,” Geschicter said. “When we first started, we had opportunities to have some big name drivers. Jimmie Johnson was on that list. I’ve lost them before, and I wasn’t doing it again.”
However, the team encountered one small obstacle in their pursuit of Preece.
“Every time I called him, I couldn’t get through,” Geschicter said with a laugh. “Cope said he was always out in his shop working on a race car.”
The perennial car owner added that it was one of the big selling points to bringing him on.
“He knows cars, he works on them, he can communicate things that he needs well, and that will be a big plus as we continue to grow,” he said.
Preece was asked if this will hinder his love of modified and short track racing. Unsurprisingly, he laughed and said, “No, I believe we actually have a few races alerady scheduled.”
With the addition of Preece to the team and Chris Buescher locked in for the 2019, JTG Daugherty has a solid foundation for success and growth.
“Everyone needs to stop by the shop and check out what Ernie and the team have done,” Geschicter said. “It’s a big change, just in the last year. With this new driver, you can expect more big changes.”
JTG Daugherty Racing’s Future
This addition gives JTG Daugherty Racing a lot of optimism. They will make a change going into 2019 with their engine package. After several years with ECR engines, they will switch to Hendrick Motorsports’ motors next season.
“Ryan has an impressive list of accomplishments,” Geschicter noted. “From the XFINITY Series and the Whelen Modified Tour Series, hard work pays off with a great opportunity to compete at NASCAR’s highest level full-time. We really believe in him and think he’s a great addition to the team. We’re really looking forward to having Ryan join our team for the 2019 season.”
