Preston Motorsports started in the late 70's when the Preston family enthusiastically began their involvement in motorsports. Known at the time as T. Preston Racing, Troy Preston and brother Mark with the assistance and guidance of their father Tom, began competing in motorcycle, snowmobile and dune buggy competition in the western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio area

With considerable success the family continued to compete and gain experience in off road racing. In 1985 a decision was made to concentrate their efforts in the fast growing sport of sprint car racing. Troy eventually became the primary driver while Mark focused his attentions to the mechanical side of the sport. The team's rookie year was filled with new experiences and various successes.

1986 the team concentrated fully on sprint car racing and competed in a full season of local events. The team utilized a primary car and a backup car to produce 21 top five feature finishes. 1986 was an exciting year for the race team. In addition to the consistent finishes throughout the year Troy's aggressive driving skills won the Points Championship and Track Title at Sharon Speedway; one of the most competitive race tracks in the eastern Untied States.

In 1987, T. Preston Racing became Preston Motorsports. Troy left his career in aviation maintenance and focused full time on auto racing. Preston Motorsports established itself as one of the most consistent sprint car race teams in the eastern United States. With a primary car as well as two backup cars the team competed in 62 events. The season yielded 3 feature event wins, 12 preliminary wins as well as 42 top five finishes. Preston Motorsports also competed In a national USAC (United States Auto Club) event. This race may have been the teams greatest success of the season. Competing with and finishing ahead of some of sprint car racings greatest drivers, Troy was able to finish an aggressive sixth place.

I988, the team made the decision to seek stronger competition and more experience. The team traveled regularly to Central Pennsylvania, Central Ohio and Maryland to compete with the best in the business. After rnaking the necessary adjustments for preparation and support, the teams results were very consistent with 3 feature wins, 25 top five finishes and 43 top ten finishes. Along with excellent finishes in the top point standings at 2 tracks. Troy also finished a respectable third in the final point standings of the prestigious "STARS' sanctioned series.