Ryan Preece was set to celebrate a career-best finish at Talladega Superspeedway in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Instead, the day ended in disappointment, as both he and Joey Logano were disqualified after post-race inspection. Here’s an in-depth look at the events, the rule violations, and what this turn of events means for Ryan Preece and his season.

Dominant Drive Ends in Disqualification

Ryan Preece crossed the finish line in second place in the Jack Link’s 500, trailing Austin Cindric by just half a car length. It looked like a breakthrough moment for the driver of the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford. However, NASCAR officials later found unapproved shims in his car’s rear spoiler during post-race inspection. This technical violation meant that Preece’s result was wiped from the board. He was officially relegated to 38th place, earning only a single championship point.

Joey Logano, who finished fifth, faced a similar fate. His car had a loose bolt on the spoiler, a violation of NASCAR’s technical regulations. Both drivers’ teams accepted the penalties, with Team Penske releasing a statement acknowledging the situation. For more specifics on the violations and Team Penske’s response, see the official NASCAR report on the Talladega disqualifications.

How Rule Infractions Changed the Race

NASCAR’s strict technical inspection process ensures a level playing field and fair competition. In this case, Ryan Preece’s car had three rear spoiler shims instead of the required two. This led to his disqualification under Rule 14.5.8.F. Logano’s violation involved a missing spoiler bolt, addressed under Rules 14.5.8.E and 14.1.P. To understand the technical breakdown and post-race procedures, check out Jayski's detailed rundown of the Talladega inspection.

The disqualifications not only stripped hard-earned points from Ryan Preece and Joey Logano but also affected the overall standings. RFK Racing had a tough day beyond Preece’s setback. Teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski retired early after crashes. Logano’s teammate, Ryan Blaney, was also knocked down the order due to an incident.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ryan Preece?

This outcome stands as a major setback for Ryan Preece’s 2025 campaign. After coming so close to a memorable finish at one of NASCAR’s toughest tracks, the disqualification stings for both driver and team. Still, the RFK Racing squad will regroup and aim to bounce back. Other cars, including those of Kyle Larson and Josh Berry, were also selected for further inspection, underlining NASCAR’s commitment to fair play. You can read further about the inspection process and additional cars involved at NBC Sports’ report on the disqualifications.

Summary

Ryan Preece’s day at Talladega went from triumph to tragedy in a matter of hours. His post-race disqualification underscores the importance of compliance in NASCAR’s strict regulatory environment. As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on Ryan Preece to see how he and his RFK Racing team respond to this adversity.