Get ready for a wild ride, because Ryan Preece’s Las Vegas performance might just land him in the doghouse—and not just with his team. Here’s the kicker: his wife, Heather DesRochers, isn’t just any spouse; she’s a racer herself, and she’s not one to hold back her opinions. After a weekend that left Preece admitting he could’ve done better, he’s bracing for a less-than-warm welcome at home. But let’s rewind and dive into the full story.
Coming off a strong sixth-place finish at the Roval—his first top-10 in nine races—Preece had momentum on his side heading into Las Vegas. With a history of success on 1.5-mile tracks, including a third-place finish there in March, expectations were sky-high. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his track record, Preece’s Las Vegas run was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Starting in 16th place, he fought his way to 14th by the end of Stage 1, only to slip to 31st in Stage 2. It wasn’t until the final laps that he rallied, charging through the field to secure a ninth-place finish.
So, what went wrong? A speeding penalty derailed his momentum, forcing him to play catch-up late in the race. ‘We could’ve been top six,’ Preece admitted post-race, reflecting on the missed opportunity. ‘I just need to be a little more patient.’ Yet, he didn’t forget to praise his team, crediting their stellar effort in the Sysco/crumbl Ford Mustang.
Now, let’s talk about the real wildcard in this story: Heather DesRochers. When asked about returning home, Preece joked, ‘I think my wife is gonna be pretty upset that I sped.’ But this isn’t your average spouse—DesRochers is a racer with her own accolades, including Rookie of the Year honors in the SK Modified Series. And this is the part most people miss: their relationship is built on a shared passion for racing, which means Preece doesn’t get a free pass when it comes to feedback. Their love story began in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway, where their paths crossed during testing. By 2011, they were competing together, with Preece winning the championship and DesRochers making her mark in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program.
This dynamic adds an extra layer to Preece’s racing life. While her understanding of the sport gives him an edge, it also means she’s his toughest critic. ‘She doesn’t hesitate to call it like she sees it,’ Preece has said, and that accountability keeps him grounded both on and off the track.
With three races left in the season, Preece has three more shots at his first Cup win. Will he earn a nod of approval from DesRochers and the RFK Racing team? Only time will tell. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does having a partner who’s also a racer make you a better driver, or does it add unnecessary pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
