After multiple postponements and coordinated efforts across the racing community, the Cook Out Clash finally took place a few days later than planned at Bowman Gray Stadium. In a NASCAR Cup Series exhibition marked by stop-start racing and challenging wet conditions, Ryan Preece emerged victorious, capturing his first win with RFK Racing.
This marked Preece’s inaugural checkered flag in a Cup event, though he has yet to claim a victory in a points-paying race. Reflecting on the moment with FOX Sports, Preece said,
“I don’t even know what to say,”
before adding,
“It’s been years and years of grinding and I’m just super thankful.”
William Byron finished runner-up, followed by Ryan Blaney in third, Daniel Suarez in fourth, and Denny Hamlin rounding out the top five.
Race Dynamics and Challenging Weather Conditions
The reigning champion, Kyle Larson, led the field to green, controlling the race pace for about the first 40 laps, while Byron steadily gained momentum from behind. Early movers included Byron, Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs, each pushing hard to close the gap on Larson over the following laps. The first caution flag came out due to debris as the leaders approached lapped traffic.
During the restart, Bubba Wallace struggled on the outside lane, losing ground with each turn. After finding a brief opening behind Chase Elliott, Wallace became entangled in contact involving Ross Chastain and Ryan Blaney, which resulted in a spin.
Things get stacked up and Bubba Wallace goes around. pic.twitter.com/5eM5kwBUja— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 4, 2026
Byron soon took over the lead, displacing Larson to the outside, where Larson fell victim to the characteristic “train” effect seen often at Bowman Gray. Briscoe and Gibbs from Joe Gibbs Racing soon followed behind Byron. However, by the halfway point, Gibbs was at the front when more severe weather led NASCAR officials to pause the race due to sleet in Winston-Salem.
“Hey, Mother Nature … wanted to touch base again …” #HotPass pic.twitter.com/e6BvsLJfqI— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Even during the stoppage, tensions rose between drivers. Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez exchanged frustrations over racing incidents involving the No. 23 team while under caution.
Things are heating up! pic.twitter.com/eU69WvzTFc— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Once conditions improved, NASCAR mandated the use of wet tires for the remainder of the Clash. The field quickly encountered another caution on the first lap back, with spins involving Hamlin, Larson, and Preece. Briscoe seized the lead and attempted to pull away, but damage affected other drivers, including Ford teammates Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Blaney.
Intense Competition as Drivers Battle Through Restarts
Carson Hocevar gained momentum amid the numerous restarts, pacing the pack while navigating lap traffic. Meanwhile, Hamlin and Blaney were caught in a deadlock during a tight battle in turn three. Shane van Gisbergen then asserted himself, overtaking Hocevar and taking the lead with 60 laps to go. Preece responded by reclaiming his position near the front, deftly managing multiple cautions as the race unfolded.
As the race neared its conclusion, Preece maintained control in a fragmented field, ultimately crossing the finish line first and kicking off his 2026 season with a landmark victory.
Official Standings and Upcoming Schedule
The top finishers in the Clash reaffirmed the competitive nature of the NASCAR Cup field heading into the upcoming main events. As preparations continue, the series will travel to Daytona International Speedway for the prestigious 68th running of the Daytona 500. Scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET, the race will be televised by FOX, drawing widespread attention from the racing community and fans alike.
Thomas, who is in his second year covering NASCAR at Frontstretch, brings insights shaped by over 15 years as a Bay Area fan and a personal connection to the sport through Jeff Gordon. Thomas frequently reports on local motorsport events such as those at Sonoma Raceway, and also covers Bay Area college football, including the California Golden Bears.
Ryan Preece wins the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium! pic.twitter.com/Vg2aomwMNI
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Things get stacked up and Bubba Wallace goes around. pic.twitter.com/5eM5kwBUja
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 4, 2026
“Hey, Mother Nature … wanted to touch base again …” #HotPass pic.twitter.com/e6BvsLJfqI
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Things are heating up! pic.twitter.com/eU69WvzTFc
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
