Ford Driver Breaks Silence Days After Screaming “Motherf*cker” at HMS Drivers

For Ryan Preece, Daytona was supposed to be the defining moment of his Cup Series season. Entering the Coke Zero Sugar 400, the RFK Racing driver faced a must-win scenario to keep his playoff hopes alive. With teammate Chris Buescher also in the hunt, RFK looked set to control the draft and challenge Hendrick Motorsports in the final laps. Instead, the closing stretch turned into a strategic battle that left Preece isolated in the middle lane. His frustration spilled over on the radio, a reaction that would soon become one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

The missed opportunity carried major consequences. By the end of the night, not a single RFK car advanced to the playoffs, marking a rare setback for Brad Keselowski’s organization. The Hendrick camp, on the other hand, successfully executed a coordinated move that not just preserved Alex Bowman’s postseason spot but ultimately all of theirs. And after initially bursting out in anger, Ryan Preece has now broken things down in detail in a fresh interview, explaining exactly why the Hendrick drivers’ late-race tactics left him frustrated.

Preece opens up on HMS’ driver tactics

Initially, after the checkered flag, Preece’s radio outburst captured his anger: “If I had a Ford behind me, we would’ve f—ing won that race! I mean, I know why they did it. They did it so the 48 couldn’t get knocked out. Motherf—er!” His words reflected more than frustration. They highlighted how Hendrick’s drivers, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, worked together in a way Ford could not match. In superspeedway racing, manufacturer alliances often decide races. And Preece felt abandoned at the most crucial moment as they left him stuck in the middle lane with no drafting help.

Days later, Preece explained the moment in detail. He recalled, “Three out of the four cars behind me were Hendrick cars. They needed to do what their organization needed to do. Which was…basically get rid of me.” He emphasized that he had replayed the laps over and over during his drive home, only to conclude: “Knowing everything in the moment, I wouldn’t do anything different.” His defense addressed criticism about leaving Buescher. He stressed that sticking together would likely not have broken Hendrick’s outside line. To him, the move was necessary to put RFK in control, even if it ultimately backfired.

When asked how much he could have done in that moment, Preece said, “Sitting in the position Chris and I were in, it was highly unlikely that we would have ever gotten clear, both him and I, of the guys on the outside in that moment. I didn’t wanna get behind the 7 and not have an opportunity. That was the game time decision of we need to put ourselves on the front row, and take control.” Preece’s words make it clear that his decision wasn’t just instinctive but logical as per the situation. Due to his limited chances to break free from the pack, he prioritized track position over playing it safe, believing that getting to the front row was the only way to take control of the race.

His reflections go beyond personal disappointment. They shed light on the politics of superspeedway racing. He admitted that “if those Hendrick cars could have broken up somehow, maybe it could have played different,” but acknowledged that with drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron organizing runs in sync, his chances were slim. It was a candid admission of how power in numbers can dictate outcomes, and how RFK’s lack of drafting strength left them vulnerable.

Looking ahead, the fallout raises questions for both organizations. Team Hendrick proved once again that teamwork can shape not just a finish, but the playoff field itself. For RFK, the disappointment of missing the postseason despite speed at Daytona may prompt new conversations about manufacturer cooperation and drafting alliances.

For Preece, his honesty may have struck a chord with fans, but the challenge now is turning frustration into fuel for next season. And after breaking down his Daytona run in detail, Preece recently shifted gears from racing talk to community engagement.

Preece hits the Big E Fair

Summer excitement is building for fans heading to The Big E Fair, New England’s massive multi-state event. Among the star-packed lineup, a special NASCAR driver topic is revving up anticipation. But for now, the main attraction remains under wraps. Attendees are signing up for Collector Car Live, which promises exclusive motorsport insights and surprises in the lead-up to the big reveal.

The Big E is known for blending exhibition, entertainment, and unique experiences. This year’s schedule includes an unexpected racing twist that will engage both car enthusiasts and casual fairgoers alike. This would be a reveal that could shift the tone of the fair. Racing fans are already buzzing about what’s to come.

In a turn of events, NASCAR’s Ryan Preece has been announced as the headlining guest for Collector Car Live at The Big E. He’ll share anecdotes from the track during a live panel alongside hosts like Wayne Carini, Mike Joy, and others. He’s expected to dive into collectible cars and motorsports stories sourced from his career. The event is free with fair admission and is set for Thursday, September 18, with the on-stage segment scheduled to begin at 3 PM.

This marks a significant crossover between motorsport culture and mainstream entertainment. Collector Car Live offers fans up-close access to racing lore and storytelling from a current NASCAR driver in a fairground setting, a rare opportunity. Moreover, Preece’s presence adds star power to The Big E lineup and strengthens ties between the racing world and everyday fans.