The Rolex 24 kicks off today. With that, NASCAR fans are down to 18Â Days to Daytona for Speedweeks to begin. The build to The Clash is underway, as teams unveil paint schemes and sponsors. One team that will have little change from last year to this is the #41 Stewart-Haas Racing team. Ryan Preece and Chad Johnston return, along with the same sponsors from 2023. Despite the similarities from last year, can this team take a step forward in 2024?
#41 Stewart-Haas Racing
Driver: Ryan Preece
Crew Chief: Chad Johnston
Sponsors: Haas Automation, United Rentals
2024 Season Preview
The 41 Struggles
Since the departure of Kurt Busch, the 41 Stewart-Haas Racing entry has been one of struggle. Outside of a rookie win from Cole Custer, there has been little to celebrate for the team. Last season, Ryan Preece replaced the struggling Custer. However, the switch up did little to improve the team’s performance. When comparing Custer’s 2022 to Preece’s 2023, the similarities are eerie. Preece returns to the car for another season. Can he break through to have a competitive season?
Martinsville Success
Perhaps the lone glimmer of hope for Ryan Preece last season was spring Martinsville. After qualifying on the pole, Preece led the entire first stage. It looked to be a dominate performance for a team that could have used a race like that. A pit road penalty during the Stage 1 caution spoiled the race. Heading into 2024, Martinsville looks to be the only place where Preece could pull off a win. All of the 41’s eggs might be in the Martinsville basket.
Daytona 500 Chances
The goal for Ryan Preece during Daytona Speedweeks is to keep all four wheels on the ground. If you have seen a NASCAR commercial recently, then you have seen the Preece flip numerous times. Outside of the summer flip, Preece is a bit of a wreck magnet, especially at Daytona. In 8 starts, Preece has collected 5 DNFs. On the flip side, every non-DNF for Preece turned into a Top-10.
Speedweeks Outlook
Qualifying will be interesting to see from the 41 car. Ryan Preece has qualified inside the Top-20 in his past 3 Daytona 500s. That streak has a solid chance of continuing this year, especially if the new Ford Dark Horse body helps with the aerodynamics. For his Bluegreen Vacations Duel race, Preece will look to be competitive for the win. His chances for the win will depend on the help he has in his duel. Preece’s Daytona 500 will either end with a DNF or a Top-10.
Previous Days
40-36 Days: 40 – #12, 39 – #5, 38 – #24, 37 – #20, & 36 – #11
35-31 Days: 35 – #45, 34 – #17, 33 – #6, 32 – #1, & #31 – #9
30-26 Days:Â 30 – #19, 29 – #22, 28 – #4, 27 – #8, & 26 – #34
25-21 Days: 25 – #34, 24 – #23, 23 – #54, 22 – #99, & 21 – #48
