NASCAR Star Ryan Preece Hosts Guest Bartending Event in Berlin

Ryan Preece, a 35-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver and Berlin native, recently returned to his hometown to serve as a guest bartender at Tavern on the Trax. The event, held on a Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., attracted numerous local residents eager to meet the racing star. Preece's appearance coincided with a significant milestone in his career, as he had secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory earlier in 2026 at the Cookout Clash exhibition race in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Patch

The Tavern on the Trax, located at 845 Farmington Ave, organized the event to foster community spirit and celebrate local talent. The restaurant offered happy hour specials and introduced a new canned spiced vodka beverage called the “Kickstand cocktail” during the gathering. Following the event, Tavern on the Trax publicly thanked Preece, stating that his presence "brought incredible energy to the night" and made the experience memorable for attendees.

Patch

Preece's visit was also highlighted by the local promotional group, It’s All in Berlin, which emphasized his ongoing support for the community and small businesses. The group linked the event to its “Eat Local Win Local” campaign, encouraging residents to support participating restaurants for a chance to win prizes. This initiative runs through April 15 and aims to boost local dining and shopping.

Patch

Tavern on the Trax expressed gratitude for Preece's involvement, noting that his engagement with fans created a unique atmosphere. The restaurant's management remarked on the positive impact of such events in fostering community connections and supporting local businesses.

Patch

While the event was well-received, some community members expressed concerns about the commercialization of local events and the potential overshadowing of smaller, less-publicized gatherings. Critics argue that high-profile appearances can divert attention from other local initiatives that also deserve recognition.

Patch

Following this successful event, it is anticipated that Preece may continue to engage with his hometown through similar initiatives, potentially collaborating with local businesses and organizations to further promote community involvement and support.

Patch

“Your presence brought incredible energy to the night, and having you behind the bar as our guest bartender made it a truly memorable experience for everyone who walked through the doors,” — Tavern on the Trax Management

Patch