When the 2026 NASCAR schedule dropped, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski, didn’t hesitate to comment on the increasing number of road courses, saying, “We went from 2 to 6 Road course races, possibly 7 next year…IMSA will always do road racing better than NASCAR, and that’s ok. Yes, TOO MANY road courses in NASCAR.”

Fast forward to today, and NASCAR seems to have added more street courses in the mix, with the San Diego Street course replacing the Chicago Street race next year. And as fans are excited with the latest layout drop, let’s just say some aren’t too happy with it. And that person hails from Brad Keselowski’s clan.

Brad Keselowski’s teammate reveals his honest thoughts on San Diego

Speaking on Backstretch banter on October 22nd, Ryan Preece downplayed the new layout, saying, ” It looks like a fortnight map Derek have you seen the Layouts in the outlook for San Diego? … It’s gonna be a lot of heavy braking corners There’s gonna be some out breaking moments The other side to it is I wonder how much you know with tires the way the direction that we’ve been going …so there’s a lot of questions right now for sure if we have the opportunity to run it in Sam, I’ll probably start, you know three months in advance because it’s a track I haven’t been to and you know, try to be as prepared as possible.”

Earlier today, NASCAR released official renderings of the street course plan for next year’s NASCAR San Diego weekend presented by Andruil. The digital maps showcased a demanding 16-term, 3.4-mile circuit at Naval Base Coronado, combining high-speed racing with stunning scenic views. But despite all this, Preece wasn’t particularly sold on it.

The San Diego Street course features several notable landmarks that pay tribute to the base’s noble history, from naming the start/finish line in honor of Commander Theodore Ellyson to the turns, which make it far more interesting. One such turn, Turn 5, known as Carrier Corner, is a sharp left-hand turn situated between the docking positions of two aircraft carriers.

Drivers then face Turn 8, the Coronado Chicane, which kicks off a series of challenging bends as they navigate towards the interior of the base. But with sharp turns, the drivers will need to really brake hard to stay on track while trying to gain positions.

But speaking of playoffs, team owner Brad Keselowski had plenty to say about the format. Keselowski’s push for the return of the Chase format is stronger than ever. But as Keselowski looks towards the new playoff system next year, Preece is focused on something else entirely.

Ryan Preece aims for a standout Martinsville result

Although Ryan Preece isn’t in the playoffs this season, he is aiming for another standout performance at Martinsville Speedway. With a pole position and multiple top 10 finishes already under his belt at the Virginia short track, the No. 60 driver emphasized the critical role of qualifying and strategic planning in his quest for further success at Martinsville.

Preece said, “Martinsville, to be honest with you, qualifying day can make or break your race day. It’s really important, and, for me, I felt like this spring I remember 100 percent that we were on a really good lap, potentially the pole, and then I just tried to get too much going into turn three, like a lot of us race car drivers do when things feel really good, and just gave a lot of that up. I think this time with it being a new tire, kind of get a really good feel of what that’s gonna be in practice, but then just get your mind right for qualifying and try to put it on the pole.” 

But as it stands, Preece delivered a standout performance and Martinsville Speedway in March, finishing seventh in the NASCAR Cup Series Cookout 400. This result marked his third consecutive top 10 finish, his first in 194 cup starts, and propelled him into the playoff conversation. However, a win eluded him in his playoff appearance, but despite starting 21st, due to a minor qualifying error, Preece showcased his skill and determination. And whether Preece backs his Martinsville performance is the $1 million question.