Ryan Preece has been tabbed as the driver of the No. 47 car of JTG Daugherty Racing for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
Preece, 27, was introduced as the driver of the No. 47 car during a press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday. His multi-year deal produces a replacement for AJ Allmendinger. Chris Buescher will continue to drive the team’s No. 37 car.
In 2016 Preece drove for JD Motorsports in the Xfinity Series before running a couple of races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the series in 2017. During his JGR time he managed a win at Iowa and a second place finish at New Hampshire. Thus far this year he has one win and six top-10 finishes in nine starts for JGR. He will run the remaining Xfinity Series schedule for JGR.
“We’re really looking forward to having Ryan join our team for the 2019 season,” team owner Tad Geschickter said. “Ryan has an impressive list of accomplishments in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series and is now being given a great opportunity to compete at NASCAR’s highest level full-time. We really believe in him and think he’s a great addition to the team.”
Preece has five Cup Series starts to his credit.
“Tommy Lasorda says, ‘The difference between impossible and possible lies in a man’s determination,’ and I feel that JTG Daugherty Racing has just that,” Preece said. “It’s been many years of fighting for opportunities to compete and win races at NASCAR’s highest level, and it is nice to officially say that JTG Daugherty Racing is my new home for 2019. I look forward to not only racing, but working with the team as well to build speed and create a name for myself here. I can’t thank Tad and Jodi Geschickter, Brad Daugherty and Gordon Smith enough for the opportunity.”
