After six full seasons competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, Ryan Preece captured his first Cup Series win during the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday. This non-points exhibition race took place at the storied quarter-mile track, known primarily for Modified racing, marking a significant milestone for Preece.
Background and Context of the Victory
Ryan Preece, a former Whelen Modified Tour champion and frequent competitor at Stafford Speedway, Thompson Speedway, and Riverhead Raceway, is beginning his second season with the RFK Racing Cup Series team. The Bowman Gray Stadium event was postponed from Sunday due to a rare snowstorm affecting the Carolinas before finally happening midweek.
The upcoming official start of the Cup Series season will be the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15.
Details of the Race and Preece’s Performance
Preece’s previous best Cup Series finishes were two third-place results while racing full-time for JTG Daugherty Racing from 2019 through 2021 and Stewart-Haas Racing between 2023 and 2024. During the 200-lap feature, Preece took the lead for the first time on lap 144 after a restart. He briefly lost the lead to Shane van Gisbergen on another restart but reclaimed it on lap 158, maintaining his position until the end.
He extended his lead over William Byron, who finished second, while Ryan Blaney secured third place.
Preece Reflects on a Challenging Journey
Expressing emotion after the win, Preece remarked,
“I don’t even know what to say,”
highlighting the difficult path he has traveled.
“To be honest with you, it’s been a fucking long road. The Clash, but man, it’s been years and years of grinding. I’m just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Coca-Cola, all our partners. … Jack Roush, Fenway Group.”
He also shared his uncertainty two years ago about continuing his NASCAR career, saying,
“Two years ago I didn’t know if I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. And I’m just super emotional.”
When reflecting on the closing laps of the race, Preece stated,
“I’m just ah, I’m speechless man. That last two laps, I’m speechless.”
Significance of the Win and What Lies Ahead
Preece’s victory represents a major achievement in his NASCAR career, breaking through the challenges of previous seasons and validating his place in the Cup Series. It also boosts momentum for RFK Racing as their season begins. With the Daytona 500 approaching in mid-February, the racing community will now watch how Preece builds on this breakthrough success at the start of the official Cup Series schedule.
