Ryan Preece achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium by winning the Cook Out Clash, marking his first victory in a Cup car. Although the race was an exhibition event outside the official NASCAR season, Preece’s near two-second win over William Byron signaled a major confidence boost for the driver, who has been competing at the highest level since 2015. This breakthrough victory placed Preece in select company alongside Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin, who also won the Clash before claiming their first official Cup Series wins.
Challenges of a Rain-Delayed Cook Out Clash
The event faced difficulties as rain delayed the start and caused multiple caution periods, which shuffled the running order and forced drivers to adapt to tricky track conditions. Preece’s team made crucial adjustments that allowed him to maintain tire performance and find an optimal setup, giving him an edge over competitors during the race’s final laps. Despite the wet conditions, the crew’s strategic insights and Preece’s skill helped him navigate the changing surface confidently.
Preece Embraces Short Track Racing This Season
Following his success, Preece expressed enthusiasm about short tracks this year, highlighting the unique challenges they present. He credited Goodyear’s special rain tires and increased horsepower on the quarter-mile tracks for intensifying the driving experience.
“My hats off to Goodyear because it wasn’t our traditional soft tire. It was a ‘rain’ tire. I still feel between them and the increase in horsepower on a quarter-mile with the gear that we are running, you could feel that,”
Preece explained.
“There were multiple times that I couldn’t go wide-open on the throttle. That’s saying something. I am excited about short tracks this year,”
he added.
Influence from Teammate Chris Buescher and Team Support
Ryan Preece also highlighted the significant role of his RFK Racing teammate Chris Buescher in his growth as a driver. He described Buescher as someone he looks up to and credits for contributing to his progress. Furthermore, Preece expressed gratitude toward team owner Brad Keselowski for the support that helped him develop during his initial full-time season with the team in 2025.
“I hold @Chris_Buescher on a pedestal!”
Preece stated, acknowledging the positive impact Buescher has had on him.
Reflecting on the 2025 Season and Building Momentum Into 2026
Last year marked Preece’s first full season with RFK Racing, finishing 18th in the overall standings. Throughout the season, he earned three top-five finishes and fifteen top-ten results, showing steady improvement. One notable moment was his near-win at Talladega Superspeedway, though a last-minute spoiler infraction disqualified him from the victory. Despite setbacks, Preece’s performances laid a foundation for future success.
Starting the 2026 season with this Clash win has provided momentum for Preece and his team. It was also the first Victory Lane celebration for his crew chief, Derrick Finley, whose encouragement during the race helped Preece maintain focus amid difficult conditions.
“I finally said, ‘You know, OK, we’re going to do this, so there’s no point in being mad. Let’s just go win this thing,”
Finley recalled advising Preece.
Significance of the Victory and Prospects for the Season Ahead
This victory at Bowman Gray Stadium holds particular importance as it renews Preece’s confidence and highlights his growing affinity for short track racing. Given the complexities of managing tire wear, throttle control, and handling on these tighter circuits, Preece’s performance indicates he is adapting and evolving as a competitor. His respect for teammates and crew members emphasizes a collaborative effort driving his progress. As the 2026 NASCAR season unfolds, this win could mark the start of more frequent visits to Victory Lane for Preece and RFK Racing, especially on short tracks where he now finds a strategic advantage.
“I hold @Chris_Buescher on a pedestal!”@RyanPreece_ gave credit to his @RFKracing teammate, as who he looks up to him and says he’s played a big role in his growth.
He also tells what he learned and what helped him go from 10th to 1st!#NASCAR | #CookOutClash | @MtrsprtsToday pic.twitter.com/uvKf5nW3ct
— Tim Moore (@IveBeenTimMoore) February 5, 2026
