Despite challenging winter weather conditions, Ryan Preece emerged victorious at the second Cook Out Clash held on Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Battling on wet-weather tires over a track coated with a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, Preece claimed the win in the NASCAR exhibition event, demonstrating skill and resilience on the slippery quarter-mile circuit.
Delayed Start Follows Historic Snowfall but Does Not Dampen Preece’s Determination
The season-opening NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event experienced two postponements due to unusually heavy snowfall. However, Preece, a 35-year-old driver from Berlin, Connecticut, remained focused and ultimately earned the triumph after a long wait. Overcoming the obstacles, Preece’s persistence paid off in a race that tested every driver’s composure and adaptability.
I don’t even know what to say,
said Preece, eyes brimming with tears as he exited his car to the applause of fans who endured the cold and wet conditions.
To be honest with you, it’s been a [freaking] long road.
?Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
It’s The Clash, but, man, it’s been years and years of grinding. … Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut.
?Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
Preece Seizes Lead After Intense Battle Following Mid-Race Break
After Stewart-Haas Racing ceased operations at the end of 2024, Preece secured a ride with RFK Racing in the No. 60 Ford. During the Cook Out Clash, he surged ahead to lead the final 45 laps. He claimed the top spot on Lap 156 by overtaking Shane van Gisbergen following a restart four laps earlier. The event was marked by aggressive driving, setting a new Clash record with 17 caution periods.
Preece successfully widened the gap on the last restart at Lap 182 of 200 and crossed the finish line 1.752 seconds ahead of runner-up William Byron. This victory makes Preece the third driver in history to win The Clash prior to earning a NASCAR Cup Series points race win, joining notable drivers Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin in this rarity.
Preece’s Historic Performance Highlights Unprecedented Winning Patterns
The modified-racing standout started 18th but methodically moved through the field, a feat that both extended and broke existing streaks. He became the ninth consecutive driver to capture The Clash, yet the first winner to succeed from beyond the front two rows since the quarter-mile format debuted at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022.
The top contenders concluded with Ryan Blaney in third place, trailed closely by Daniel Suárez and Denny Hamlin. Other drivers completing the top ten were Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, and Alex Bowman.
Reigning Cup champion Kyle Larson, who started on pole, commanded the race leading for 67 laps but faltered as the weather worsened. His switch from slick to wet-weather tires proved challenging, resulting in a 16th-place finish.
Josh Berry Shines in Last Chance Qualifier, Securing Spot in Main Event
Josh Berry entered the Cook Out Clash through the Last Chance Qualifier for a second straight year. Driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford, Berry took the lead on Lap 18 of a 75-lap qualifying event, eventually winning by 7.419 seconds over Austin Cindric. The final lineup was not confirmed until the final corner of the LCQ, where AJ Allmendinger nudged Cindric past Corey LaJoie, cementing Cindric’s qualification.
From Lap 62 onward, Cindric and LaJoie battled fiercely for second place, with Cindric maintaining the inside line during the last four laps to secure his position.
You wanted to be on the inside, obviously, but you don’t want to pass the guy, ’cause then he has the opportunity to get back to you,
noted LaJoie, stepping in for the injured Brad Keselowski as co-owner and driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Ford.
It was exciting. It was fun to be in the fight. I hadn’t been in a fight like that in a long time.
?Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
Allmendinger’s Final Lap Plan Falls Short Amidst Fierce Competition
AJ Allmendinger, who finished fourth just behind LaJoie, remained competitive until the race’s conclusion. He had devised a strategy aimed at advancing both Cindric and LaJoie on the last lap but was unable to execute it fully.
I had the plan set up perfect,
Allmendinger explained.
I just didn’t execute. I went down in there to kind of shove ’em both out of the way, and we didn’t have enough grip to throttle back up and beat ’em to the line.
?AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Challenges Faced by Other Notable Drivers Throughout the Event
Berry, who began the Clash in 21st, finished 12th, while Cindric, despite his efforts, experienced multiple setbacks, ending the race in 21st after starting 22nd. Alex Bowman secured his spot as the highest-ranked driver in the 2025 standings not already qualified, starting last (23rd) on a provisional basis.
Post-race inspection in the NASCAR Cup Series garage occurred without any issues, officially confirming Preece as the winner of the event.
Significance of the Win and Its Implications for the Season
Ryan Preece’s win at the Cook Out Clash amidst unpredictable winter weather highlights his resilience and adaptability, qualities crucial for success in the lengthy racing season ahead. His achievement not only places him in an exclusive group with legendary drivers but also sets a promising tone for his tenure with RFK Racing following the departure of Stewart-Haas Racing. The win may boost his confidence and momentum as NASCAR continues through its competitive schedule on challenging tracks like Bowman Gray Stadium.
