Ryan Preece knows he still has work to do on road courses. Preece told Yahoo Sports that he wants to learn how to heel-toe just like Shane Van Gisbergen. This admission shows a driver who is honest about his gaps and eager to improve his game.
At Daytona International Speedway, 12 Ford Racing drivers gathered for the event on November 11. Preece partnered with Logan Sargeant for the Navy team. Robert Noaker and Austin Cindric stood out as the top contenders at the front. Ryan Blaney withdrew after a fall before the event, leading Noaker to step in. Repeated position swaps occurred between the leaders until Cindric executed a decisive pass with under five minutes left.
Cindric secured victory by 0.136 seconds, while Preece claimed third and Sargeant finished fourth. Preece’s podium finish did not indicate he possessed the speed to challenge the leaders. He first had to work his way past Sargeant. By that stage, the top two had created sufficient separation to render a comeback improbable.
Preece Sees the Gap
Preece was honest about his inability to catch the leaders. “No, I don’t, I don’t think I really had anything for them. I think maybe if I stayed within the draft, it would have kept me there,” Preece admitted. The Mustang’s brakes also demanded an adjustment from someone used to standard NASCAR Cup machinery. Although the anti-lock braking system stopped the wheels from locking, Preece still needed to learn its response.
Entering Daytona’s first turn, identifying the correct pressure and timing proved especially critical. His mention of heel-toe driving also warrants attention. During a downshift, this technique involves briefly blipping the throttle while braking. It aligns engine speed to maintain car balance. A skill linked to road racing, it is one Preece clearly aims to master.
The Shane Van Gisbergen Standard
Shane van Gisbergen has established a reputation based on his road-course prowess. He has claimed eight Cup Series races, all occurring on road and street circuits. For Preece, observing such control has turned into a learning opportunity.
Preece said he was forced to right-foot brake during the race. He wants to be a better road racer. “I’d love to build something to where I could learn how to heel-toe like Shane, because I was forced to right-foot brake today, and I feel like, you know, I want to be a better road racer.” The Shane he was referring to was Shane van Gisbergen.
Earlier this year, Preece placed 18th at Circuit of The Americas and 14th at Watkins Glen. His Cup Series results indicate existing progress available for further development.
This race was not just about Preece. It was a chance for Ford to test its drivers in identical Mustang Dark Horse R race cars. The branches of the U.S. Armed Forces were represented by six teams. Each team fielded two drivers. The event highlighted the need for drivers to master different techniques to win.
Preece partnered Logan Sargeant for the Navy.
He eventually won by 0.136 seconds.
