Imagine facing the wrath of your wife after a race, not because she's just a worried spouse, but because she knows exactly what you did wrong behind the wheel. That's the reality for NASCAR driver Ryan Preece. Last weekend's race in Las Vegas saw Preece battling for position, but a speeding penalty threatened to derail his efforts. While he salvaged a ninth-place finish, he's heading home knowing he might be in the doghouse with his wife, Heather DesRochers. Why? Because Heather isn't just any spectator; she's a racer herself, and she doesn't pull any punches.
Preece was coming off a strong sixth-place finish at the Roval, his first top-10 in nine races. Given his past success at 1.5-mile tracks, hopes were already high for a good run in Las Vegas. In fact, since his third-place finish there in March, Preece has secured all five of his top-10 finishes at similar tracks within his last seven starts. This trend suggested another potentially stellar performance under the Nevada sun.
Starting from 16th position, however, Preece faced a challenging race in Sin City. He finished Stage 1 in 14th place, then slipped back to 31st in Stage 2. But here's where it gets interesting; he didn't give up. He fought his way back through the field in the final stage, showcasing his determination and skill.
The driver of the #60 RFK Ford Mustang ultimately crossed the finish line in ninth place. Still, Preece himself admitted he left some points on the table. The crucial speeding penalty significantly hampered his momentum, forcing the team to recover lost ground late in the race. Imagine the pressure of knowing one small mistake could cost you valuable points!
"We had that little opportunity with 15 to go, and we took advantage of it and drove from 20th to ninth. And really, I thought, probably could have been top six. I just need to be a little bit more patient with some of the things I’m learning, but I’m really proud of this Sysco/crumbl Ford Mustang," Preece said after the race, acknowledging his team's hard work and dedication.
When asked about returning home to his newborn son, Preece responded with a touch of humor. "Yeah, I think I’m gonna go home to a wife who is gonna be pretty upset that I sped, but I am gonna be happy to be home with my wife and kids." It's a sentiment many married men can probably relate to!
But Preece's situation is unique. His wife, Heather DesRochers, brings a racer's perspective to the table. And this is the part most people miss: she understands the intricacies of racing firsthand.
The couple's shared passion for racing began in 2009 when they met at Stafford Motor Speedway. DesRochers' father, also a racer, had acquired a similar car to the one Preece was working on. During testing sessions, their paths crossed, setting the stage for their future together. By 2011, they were competing against each other in the SK Modified Series. That year, Preece clinched the championship, while DesRochers earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. Talk about a power couple!
Their on-track rivalry soon blossomed into an off-track romance. After six years of dating, they tied the knot in 2017. DesRochers also made a name for herself in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program in 2010 and 2011, further solidifying her presence in the sport.
While this shared understanding can give Preece a competitive advantage, it also means he faces a higher level of scrutiny at home. Having a partner who truly understands the challenges of racing means he doesn't get any excuses. He often receives unfiltered feedback, keeping him grounded and accountable, both as a driver and as a husband. This unique dynamic likely contributes to his drive and determination.
With three races remaining in the season, Preece has three more opportunities to pursue his first-ever Cup win. And maybe, just maybe, he can earn a nod of approval from his toughest critic at home, as well as from Brad Keselowski and the rest of the RFK Racing team. But here's where it gets controversial... Does having a racing spouse truly make a driver better, or does the added pressure create unnecessary stress?
What do you think? Does Heather's racing background give Ryan an edge, or is it just added pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
