Here’s a bold prediction: Ryan Preece’s wife, Heather DesRochers, might not be his biggest fan after his recent performance in Las Vegas. But here’s where it gets controversial—could her racing expertise make her critique even tougher than his team’s? Let’s dive in.
After a stellar sixth-place finish at the Roval—his first top-10 in nine races—Preece rolled into Las Vegas with high hopes. His track record at 1.5-mile circuits, including a third-place finish there in March, seemed to promise another strong showing. Yet, starting from the 16th position, Preece faced an uphill battle in Sin City. He ended Stage 1 in 14th, dropped to 31st in Stage 2, and fought his way back to a ninth-place finish in the final laps. And this is the part most people miss—despite the comeback, a speeding penalty cost him valuable points and momentum, leaving him to wonder what could’ve been.
‘We had a shot with 15 laps left and climbed from 20th to ninth,’ Preece reflected post-race. ‘Honestly, I think a top-six was within reach. I’m learning to be more patient, but I’m proud of this Sysco/crumbl Ford Mustang and my team’s effort.’ When asked about returning home to his newborn son, Preece joked, ‘My wife’s probably upset about that speeding penalty, but I’m just glad to be back with my family.’
Now, here’s the twist: Heather DesRochers isn’t just any wife—she’s a racer herself. The couple met in 2009 at Stafford Motor Speedway, where her father, also a racer, had purchased the same car Preece was working on. By 2011, they were competing together in the SK Modified Series, with Preece winning the championship and DesRochers earning Rookie of the Year. Their shared passion for racing evolved into a relationship, leading to their marriage in 2017. DesRochers also made waves in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, solidifying her own legacy in the sport.
This shared understanding gives Preece an edge, but it comes with a catch. Here’s the controversial part: Having a partner who’s been behind the wheel means no excuses—DesRochers’ feedback is unfiltered and honest, keeping Preece grounded both on and off the track. It’s a unique dynamic that blends support with tough love, making her arguably his toughest critic.
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, Brad Keselowski, and the RFK Racing team? Only time will tell. But one thing’s certain: when it comes to racing, this couple’s bond is as competitive as it is loving.
Thought-provoking question: Does having a partner who understands your profession make feedback more constructive or more critical? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
