Ryan Preece Set for First Appearance in Slinger Nationals

Ryan Preece is adding a new stop to his short track resume.

Slinger Super Speedway announced Thursday that the NASCAR Cup Series competitor and former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion has entered the 45th Annual Cobblestone Hotels, LLC Slinger Nationals on Tuesday, July 9. It will be Preece's first appearance in the Slinger Nationals.

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Preece will drive a No. 62 Kevin Harvick, Inc. entry in the event, with support from Morton Buildings and Pristine Auction.

The Slinger Nationals have a long and storied history as one of the Midwest's premier pavement Late Model events. Past winners of the Slinger Nationals include Alan Kulwicki, Mark Martin, Dick Trickle, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch and William Byron.

Preece is best known in short track circles for his Modified racing prowess. The Connecticut driver won the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, and is a three-time World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Tour-type Modified champion.

However, Preece has also made occasional appearances in Super Late Model events. Preece's Late Model statline includes three appearances in the Snowball Derby, with a best finish of fourth in 2021, and a runner-up finish to Byron in the 2022 Orange Blossom 100 at New Smyrna Speedway.

The midweek event has frequently drawn NASCAR competitors, fitting into their schedules between National Series events. Last year's Slinger Nationals saw Ty Majeski score the win ahead of Luke Fenhaus. William Byron, Erik Jones and Chase Elliott were also part of last year's field, with Elliott finishing sixth to lead the trio of Cup Series drivers.

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Slinger Super Speedway hosts a Super Late Model race this Sunday, June 30, offering a last chance for teams to prepare for the Slinger Nationals. Many of Slinger's local divisions will also compete in the Prelude to the Nationals on July 7.

Practice for the Slinger Nationals takes place on Monday, July 8, followed by the El Bandido Tequila Kickoff Party and Qualifying Draw. That all sets the stage for the Slinger Nationals on July 9.

Click here to order your tickets now for the 45th Annual Slinger Nationals, or click here to watch live on RacingAmerica.TV on July 9.

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy, Racing America