After a chaotic race delayed three days by winter weather, featuring rain, sleet, and 17 caution flags, Ryan Preece claimed a dramatic victory at the Cook Out Clash held Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Although the preseason exhibition does not award championship points, this win was a significant milestone for the second-year RFK Racing driver, who has endured a challenging journey to establish himself in NASCAR’s top series.
Preece’s win placed him in rare company as only the third driver in the 48-year history of the Clash to capture the event before earning a victory in a points race. The other two legendary drivers who accomplished this feat are NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. Preece led the final 45 laps in his No. 60 Ford and crossed the finish line 1.75 seconds ahead of runner-up William Byron.
The Emotional Weight Behind Preece’s Victory Lane Reaction
Even though official NASCAR records still list Ryan Preece with zero wins in the Cup Series after 223 starts, the triumph at the quarter-mile short track meant much more to the 35-year-old Berlin, Connecticut native. Prior to this moment, Preece had never won in NASCAR’s premier division and had faced ongoing struggles just to retain competitive rides.
Since becoming a full-time Cup driver in 2019, Preece has moved between three different teams. After a three-year stint at the team formerly known as JTG Daugherty Racing, he was without a full-time ride in 2022, making only a couple of Cup appearances while also competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This background helps explain why Preece’s emotions came to the surface following the highly anticipated victory.
“I hate talking about it, because I hate getting emotional about it,”
Preece said after climbing out of his car.
“But it’s not just the Clash. Winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it.”
How Inclement Weather Played to Preece’s Strengths
The challenging conditions on race night — which included rain forcing the use of rain tires for several laps — aligned well with Preece’s abilities as a short-track specialist. He boasts more than 25 wins on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, a circuit known for racing on similar short ovals.
“I’m a quarter-mile killer,” Preece explained.
“When it comes to this style of racing, it’s what I grew up doing. … It’s an absolute grind.”
The intensity of his win showed even in his post-race interview, when he unexpectedly used a profanity that was censored from broadcast highlights. Despite the race not counting toward season points, Preece’s victory clearly meant everything to him.
“It’s not a points race,” he stated.
“But winning means everything. Man, I’m just speechless.”
“Pure emotion from Ryan Preece after winning the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Syn887YkE7”
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Ryan Preece
Ryan Preece’s unexpected win at the Cook Out Clash signals a breakthrough after years of perseverance in NASCAR’s elite ranks. Taking the checkered flag in such difficult conditions and on a historically notable stage elevates his profile and could provide renewed momentum as he seeks his first official points race victory.
This victory may also boost confidence within RFK Racing ahead of the upcoming regular Cup Series season, highlighting Preece’s skill on short tracks and his capacity to exploit challenging situations. As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can translate this emotional triumph into consistent top-tier performances and ultimately secure an official Cup Series win.
Ryan Preece wins the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium! pic.twitter.com/Vg2aomwMNI
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Pure emotion from Ryan Preece after winning the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Syn887YkE7
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
