In a stunning turn of events during Friday’s qualifying session, Ryan Preece captured the Busch Pole Award for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway, delivering a much-needed boost to RFK Racing as the regular season heads into its final stretch.
Preece, who has faced an up-and-down 2025 campaign, turned in a blistering lap that edged out several of the sport’s top contenders. The performance not only surprised fans and analysts but also gave RFK Racing valuable momentum heading into Sunday’s race — the penultimate event before the playoffs.
“Honestly, we weren’t expecting this,” Preece said after qualifying. “The team made great adjustments, and the car just came alive when it mattered most. Starting from the pole at a track like Richmond gives us a huge opportunity to control the early stages and stay out front.”
A Timely Surge for RFK Racing
The pole comes at a crucial moment for RFK Racing, as the organization pushes to secure its place in the playoff grid. Richmond’s three-quarter-mile D-shaped oval is notoriously challenging, demanding precision braking, tire management, and a smooth rhythm over long green-flag runs. Having clean air and track position from the drop of the green flag could prove to be a game-changer for Preece.
The Bigger Picture
With just two races left before the playoff cut, teams on the bubble are under maximum pressure to deliver results. While Preece’s qualifying speed doesn’t guarantee a win, it significantly boosts his chances to collect valuable stage points and possibly punch a ticket to the postseason with an outright victory.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Friday’s qualifying heroics translate into Sunday dominance — or if Richmond’s infamous long-run strategies shuffle the order. Either way, Ryan Preece and RFK Racing have made one thing clear: they’re ready to fight to the finish.
