PREECE WINS
AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY
Martinsville started off great, as the BRE team and Ryan were second
on the practice chart right off the bat. Going into the weekend Ryan
seemed very confident, as Martinsville is one of his favorite
tracks. "I've always dreamed of racing there, but winning there,
that's just a dream come true. I'll take a win however I can get it.
I know there will be plenty of them to come," Ryan stated.
Ryan also got the pole at Martinsville. "That was awesome. I was
nervous when I saw drivers like Burt Myers or Ted Christopher go
out. Once Mike Stefanik got done with his qualifying run, my mom and
dad came over and gave me a hug. Its a amazing feeling to be doing
this well against the best of the North and the South."
Ryan redrew 4th in the redraw. This did not phase him though, as he
quickly made his charge to the lead on lap 5 and never looked back.
Burt Myers put lots of pressure on the 17 year old kid, but he
didn't make a mistake. Ryan dominated the race from lap 6-271. On
lap 271 Burt had gotten by Ryan, but Ryan was within reach.
"I knew I had to let my right rear tire cool down from when I was
racing Burt real hard. When we caught the lap cars, I knew it might
be my chance to get the lead back. Burt got by them really easy, but
it took me a little longer, and by the time I got by, he was gone. To win is still a great feeling though."
To answer all the
question's, 'What will a 17 year old do with a nice clock like
that?' "I'm gonna sleep with it every night, haha" Ryan says. That
makes a big check mark on the list of wins. "I'm loving life right now."
"These next 3 races, I think, are definitely going to help us if
things go our way. I know the last time the #3 BRE Ole Blue Chevy
went to Chemung it won. Also, every time we go to Stafford, we are a
car that will contend for the win. BRE is also the defending race
winner of the World Series, so I think we are going to be extremely
strong. I'm really looking forward to these races."
"I have to thank all our sponsors that have helped us throughout
2008. Reynolds Auto Wrecking, Cape Cod Copper, Mizzy Construction,
Logan Steel, Nero Heating and Cooling, On Track Karting in
Wallingford, CT, Mikes Truck and Trailer, Meade Tattoo, Davidson
Food Products (which will be on the car at the next Stafford race)
and F.J. Hubeny. I'd also have to thank my great crew, car owners
and my parents. I wouldn't be doing as good as I am without these
people with me."
"I also have to thank my spotter, Mike Herman Jr. He busted his
butt to get to Martinsville to spot for me, I can't thank him enough
for all the great calls and coaching he does for me. He is a great
spotter," stated Preece.
Keep an eye on Ryan in the next 3 races. The kid is hot right now
and has now proven he has what it takes to be a constant front
runner anywhere the Whelen Modified Tour goes.
THE END