Iconic wine producer Caymus Vineyards will feature Bonanza, its popular California Cabernet Sauvignon, on the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse of Stewart-Haas Racing driver Ryan Preece in back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Preece will drive the No. 41 Bonanza Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Oct. 20 South Point 400 at Las Vegas and the Oct. 27 Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead. Both races begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT and each will be broadcast live on NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The pairing serves as a reunion between Preece and Bonanza, as Preece drove a Bonanza-emblazoned Ford to victory in June 2023 in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Preece dominated from start to finish, winning the pole and leading twice for a race-high 50 laps, including the final 32 tours around the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course, to take the victory by a commanding 9.675 seconds over runner-up Sammy Smith. It was Preece’s first ARCA victory and the first ARCA win for Stewart-Haas. From his race-winning chalice in victory lane, Preece literally enjoyed the fruits of his labor, sipping on Bonanza while soaking in the moment amid TV interviews and photographs.
Bonanza was created by Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, with the wine’s name inspired by the “bonanza” of the great state of California, where the diverse vineyard land that produces delicious Cabernet can be found.
“Representing Caymus Vineyards and Bonanza at Sonoma allowed me to see just how hands-on the Wagner family is when it comes to their winemaking,” Preece said. “It’s impressive, and it’s something I can really appreciate. I’m hands-on with my racecars because I want them to be the very best. They have the same mindset at Caymus. That’s why they’re a great partner for our race team.”
After serving as an associate partner in 2023, Caymus Vineyards expanded its role with Stewart-Haas in 2024. The family-owned and operated winery has had a yearlong presence on the lower-rear quarter panel of Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang, along with branding on his firesuit.
“We’re thrilled to have such a great partnership with Stewart-Haas and we’re proud to have Bonanza back with Ryan Preece, who memorably put our Bonanza Cabernet car in victory lane in 2023 at Sonoma,” said Karen Perry, Executive Vice President, Caymus Vineyards. “Whether it’s on the track, in the vineyards or the cellar, what we have in common is a drive to be the very best through a commitment to excellence.”
About Caymus Vineyards:
The Wagner family has a long history in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850s. Through the years, they have embraced a hands-on work ethic and are constantly trying out new ideas in pursuit of making exceptional wines. Whether it’s venturing to different regions to find diverse sources of top-quality grapes or experimenting with new farming techniques, the result is a pairing of tradition with innovation, a respect for the old and the promise of the new.
Chuck Wagner was 19 when he joined his parents to start Caymus Vineyards in 1972 – releasing 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon from the first vintage. Charlie, Lorna and Chuck were a mom, pop and son team for 30 years until his parents’ passing. They were a family of farmers who worked together for decades to create a signature style of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the family’s Napa Valley Cabernet and Special Selection are among the region’s most celebrated wines. Chuck now works alongside two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family produces diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Continually pursuing new ideas, they feel extremely fortunate to spend their days farming grapes and making wine. For more information, please visit us online at caymus.com or wagnerfamilyofwine.com, and on social at Facebookand Instagram.
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