Berlin's Ryan Preece Chosen for 'NASCAR Next' Program

Berlin resident Ryan Preece, known locally for his skills as a race car driving, is speeding off to bigger things.

Preece, 22, has been selected as one of 13 drivers to partake in the 2013 NASCAR Next program, an initiative by NASCAR to help spotlight rising stars in stock car racing, according to racedayct.com

“It’s definitely a shocker to tell the truth,” Preece told the site. “Obviously it’s a great opportunity. And not only a great opportunity, but to be chosen as one of the NASCAR Next means a lot to me."

Read the full interview here.

Preece broke the track record at the Thompson International Speedway last April, and won the Tour-Type Modifieds at the same track in 2011.

Click here to read more about the young racer.