On February 4, 2026, Ryan Preece achieved a milestone in his racing career by winning the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This victory marked his first significant NASCAR win beyond the lower-tier series and elicited an intense emotional response from the 35-year-old driver, who was seen in tears during his post-race interview. The win came after years of dedication and perseverance, but Preece later revealed that the emotional weight behind his tears was tied to the person conducting his interview rather than just the triumph itself.
The NASCAR Veteran Who Impacted Preece’s Post-Race Emotions
Ryan Preece disclosed that his overwhelming emotions surfaced when he locked eyes with Regan Smith, a former NASCAR driver turned Fox Sports journalist, during the post-race interview. In a candid moment captured during a Stacking Pennies podcast episode—where Corey LaJoie and Ryan Flores were discussing Denny Hamlin’s shoulder surgery—Preece called in and shared the significance of that connection.
I mean, honestly, when you cross the line, and you win, and your whole thing, and when I looked at Regan in the eyes, that’s really when it hit me.
Despite having only slept for 45 minutes due to intense preparation, Preece spoke with a voice heavy with exhaustion yet full of respect for Smith. He had long admired Smith, recognizing him as a fellow grinder in the sport.
I’ve known Regan for quite a while, and he was a grinder, and I could see it in him, and I’m like, ‘Oh shit, here it comes.’ So, I couldn’t hold it back…
Regan Smith’s NASCAR career spanned over two decades, beginning in 2002 at just 18 years old with a debut in the Truck Series. His first Cup Series victory occurred in 2011 at the Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Known not for always having the fastest car but for relentless effort and consistency, Smith earned over 100 top-10 finishes across multiple NASCAR series, including Cup, Xfinity, and Truck.
To be honest with you, it’s been a f*cking long road. It’s the Clash but man, it’s been years and years of grinding,
Preece admitted.
After Stewart-Haas Racing closed its doors in 2024, Preece’s future was uncertain. However, RFK Racing stood by him, leading to this memorable breakthrough win at Bowman Gray.
The Absence of Family Dampened the Celebration
While Ryan Preece’s victory was monumental, it was also tinged with a sense of incompleteness due to the absence of his wife, Heather, from the event. Preece expressed heartfelt emotions about missing his family’s presence during this career-defining moment.
Ryan Flores, who joined the conversation, recalled a genuine moment when Preece spoke to Heather via FaceTime immediately after the win, conveying how deeply he wished his wife and children had been physically present.
My favorite was when you saw Heather on FaceTime, and you went, ‘Fu– me.’ You’re not. I wish you were here. Like, I felt that in my soul, like, ‘Man, I wish my wife and kids were here,’ because they’ve been through the struggle with you.
For drivers like Preece, family support remains a cornerstone throughout the highs and lows of their racing careers, and sharing the joy of victory in person carries strong emotional significance.
When I was driving down here, I was thinking about it, because she was there for that truck race. She was there for the Xfinity race, and obviously, when you have kids, to have them out there that late at night, it’s like, I don’t think you want to bring them out there. It’s gonna be thirty-four degrees, this and that.
His concerns were amplified by the cold weather conditions at Bowman Gray, which posed risks for their two young children—a daughter born in 2023 and a son born in 2025. Consequently, Heather stayed with the kids to celebrate the victory from home, though Preece’s heart longed for their presence at the track.
I almost wish I said, ‘Hey, you know what, we just came out.’ Because if I was able to see Rebecca running at me, and Heather, I guess that’s just more incentive to go do it again.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues for Ryan Preece
Ryan Preece’s breakthrough victory at the Cook Out Clash has energized NASCAR fans and the racing community alike, signaling that this is only the beginning of what could be an exciting 2026 season. Supported by RFK Racing and buoyed by the emotional moments he shared, Preece appears poised to build on this success. His journey, underscored by grit, family support, and respect for fellow drivers like Regan Smith, offers a compelling narrative in the intensely competitive world of NASCAR.
As Preece navigates the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series, the blend of personal motivation and professional determination following this Bowman Gray win sets the stage for potential future triumphs that fans eagerly anticipate.
