For lots of drivers, dangerous days on the observe appear extra tolerable when their wives or relations share consoling phrases. However seldom do they get a harsh actuality examine at dwelling from somebody who actually understands the significance of fixed enchancment. Ryan Preece is fortunate on that entrance, and not too long ago revealed why.
Preece is within the midst of one of many strongest seasons of his Cup profession since becoming a member of RFK Racing and whereas success nonetheless dodges him and the playoffs stay out of attain, his three top-five and eleven top-ten finishes communicate volumes about his perseverance. Nonetheless, he vowed to maintain pushing till he breaks by and joins the ranks of race winners at NASCAR’s high degree. And although the numbers preserve him grounded, his spouse, fellow racer Heather DesRochers, makes positive actuality hits even more durable when wanted.
Preece and DesRochers first crossed paths in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway. She shared his ardour for racing, having grown up round it, as her father, a racer himself, had bought the identical fashion of automotive Preece was engaged on on the time. Preece helped fine-tune the automotive throughout testing, and sparks quickly adopted.
By 2011, each had been behind the wheel within the SK Modified Sequence, going toe to toe on the observe. That season, Preece captured the championship whereas DesRochers claimed Rookie of the 12 months honors. The identical yr, they started relationship. DesRochers was additionally a part of NASCAR’s Drive for Range program in 2010 and 2011, paving her personal manner within the sport. After six years collectively, the couple tied the knot in 2017.
That shared racing background comes with its perks and its pitfalls, it appears. Showing on Kenny Wallace’s present, when requested whether or not marriage was simpler with a racer spouse, Preece didn’t mince phrases. “Hell no!” he mentioned. “I imply, it doesn’t make it more durable, however it makes it… as a result of they get the opposite facet. What I don’t all the time need to say, however is certainly the reality, is Heather’s seen either side, and she or he’s not the kind of spouse that’s going to take a look at me and simply inform me what I need to hear…”
“We name her Heather Happiness, however she will positively provide you with one thing that you simply don’t need to hear. However that’s the good half about it. And what I’ll say is there was nights throughout 2011 once we would get achieved racing and her and I’d be heading dwelling. I might really feel these eyes trying by the facet of me, and also you look dwelling. However yeah. No, I imply it’s positively it made it enjoyable.”
For Preece, having a accomplice who speaks his language on and off the observe is invaluable. “You may carry a dialog about racing. So, that’s the enjoyable half about it. The unfun half about it’s she positively sees if I do one thing flawed, she is going to name me out on it,” he mentioned. He admits she not solely understands the intricacies of the game but additionally doesn’t hesitate to carry him accountable, a mixture of help and straight discuss that retains him sharp.
Now, the couple’s focus extends past racing. They not too long ago welcomed their second baby, a son named Bentley Ryan Preece, becoming a member of their daughter Rebecca Marie, born on August 7, 2023. Asserting the information on social media, Preece wrote, “Rebecca Marie & Bentley Ryan. Our world is full.”
As he prepares for the following race, Preece now carries recent motivation behind the wheel, racing not only for pleasure, however for his rising household ready at dwelling.
