The anticipation for the Daytona 500 is at an all-time high as drivers took to the track for the final NASCAR Cup Series practice before Sunday’s race. This practice session, affectionately referred to as “Happy Hour,” gave us a glimpse of what we can expect for the main event. And one driver, in particular, stood out from the rest.
Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 60 RKF Racing Ford, proved to be the one to beat during the 50-minute session on Saturday. Preece’s fast lap of 192.818 mph was the fastest of the day, setting the bar high for his competitors.
Preece’s performance during this final practice session comes as no surprise. The 30-year-old Connecticut native has been making waves in the NASCAR Cup Series since his debut in 2018. Last season, he earned his first top-5 finish at Talladega and ended the year with a total of four top-10 finishes.
But Preece is not just a talented driver; he also has a deep connection to the Daytona International Speedway. His grandfather, Bob Judkins, was a legendary modified racer and a key member of the “Eastern Bandits” team that dominated the track in the 1960s. Preece’s family roots at Daytona only add to his motivation to excel in this race.
Preece’s impressive performance in the final practice session sets him up as a top contender for Sunday’s race. But he will face stiff competition from the likes of Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, and other seasoned veterans. However, Preece has shown that he is not intimidated by the big names on the track, and he is confident in his abilities to bring home the win.
Preece will also have the support of his team, RKF Racing, who has been working tirelessly to prepare for the Daytona 500. The team has been making significant improvements during the off-season, and this final practice session is proof that their hard work is paying off. Preece’s crew chief, Trent Owens, has been in the sport for over 15 years and has the experience and expertise to guide Preece to victory.
The fans should also keep an eye on Preece during the Daytona 500. He has shown that he is not afraid to take risks and make daring moves on the track. This fearless attitude paired with his impressive speed and skill could make for an exciting race on Sunday.
In addition to Preece’s top spot on the leaderboard, there were also some notable performances during the final practice session. Kyle Busch, who won the Busch Clash earlier this week, showed impressive speed once again and ended the session in third place. Meanwhile, defending Daytona 500 champion, Joey Logano, finished in the top-10 with the eighth fastest lap.
As the final practice session came to an end, the drivers and teams are now focused on making any necessary adjustments before the big race on Sunday. Preece and his team will be looking to fine-tune their setup and make their car even faster for the Daytona 500.
With Preece leading the way in practice, all eyes will be on him as he looks to capture his first Daytona 500 win. But regardless of the outcome, Preece has already proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Cup Series. This final practice session serves as a reminder that he is a name we will be hearing a lot more of in the future.
In conclusion, Ryan Preece’s performance in the final NASCAR Cup Series practice before the Daytona 500 has set the stage for an exciting race on Sunday. His fast lap and fearless attitude make him a top contender for the win, and his family ties to Daytona only add to the story. So buckle up and get ready for an intense and action-packed race at the “World Center of Racing.” The Daytona 500 is sure to be a race that fans won’t soon forget.