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RFK Racing makes appeal decision after Ryan Preece disqualified at Talladega

JHby:Jonathan Howard•about 12 hours•

Jondean25

Ryan Preece Talladega NASCAR
Mandatory Credit: Jason Allen-Imagn Images

Following in the footsteps of Team Penske, RFK Racing will not attempt to appeal the disqualification of Ryan Preece. Preece and Joey Logano were disqualified from the Talladega race after post-race inspection by NASCAR.

For Ryan Preece, this is a big hit. It will drop him in points and take away a well-deserved P2 finish. RFK Racing has had more than a few heartbreakers in the last two seasons.

“RFK Racing acknowledges and accepts NASCAR’s decision to disqualify the No. 60 Ford Mustang following post-race inspection at Talladega and will not appeal the ruling,” the organization said in a statement. “The infraction stemmed from an unintentional adjustment during pre-race inspection to correct a spoiler angle issue.

“While the change did not provide a competitive advantage, it did not meet the approved compliance method. We respect the ruling and remain committed to integrity and adherence to NASCAR’s standards.”

For RFK Racing, Talladega was not just a failure but a disappointment. Two wrecked cars and a disqualification from P2. Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece finished P34, P36, and P38. You can’t really get much worse than that. Seriously.

Good news, Preece still remains a revelation this season. RFK is right where he needs to be to show his talents. Few drivers are able to prove that it was always a matter of the right situation and the right team. Preece is on his way to proving that this year.

Ryan Preece has dropped to 18th in points. He’s still only 28 points off his teammate Chris Buescher. Had it not been for the DQ, he might be the points leader at RFK right now.

Ryan Preece DQ doesn’t have to derail season

I don’t expect it to be an issue, but Ryan Preece can’t let this turn into a bigger problem. It can be easy to get down and let it affect more races down the line. But this is Preece, I don’t expect one hiccup to derail his season.

The drop in points wasn’t ideal. However, with how tightly packed the 10th to 20th-place teams are, one or two big points races could move him up considerably. This team is more focused on getting to victory lane, though.

RFK Racing is having a strange season. Brad Keselowski is sitting 32nd in points. Buescher and Preece look like playoff contenders. Then there is Brad, floundering each week for any kind of speed and consistency.

Ryan Preece is starting to get comfortable. His team is starting to come together. I think we will see more of the 60 team up front in races, and not just on superspeedways.