Ryan Preece emerged as the surprising winner of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Wednesday night after a race marked by rain, sleet, 17 cautions, and a three-day weather delay. This event, held at the short track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, featured the driver’s first career win — a significant breakthrough for the RFK Racing competitor despite the race not awarding championship points.
Preece’s triumph was a historic moment, as he became only the third driver in the 48-year history of the Clash to win this preseason exhibition prior to securing an official points race victory. The other drivers to accomplish this feat are NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup champion and Hall of Famer, and Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner. Finishing behind Preece in second place was William Byron, 1.75 seconds back.
Emotional Moment for Preece in Victory Lane
Though officially still winless in NASCAR Cup Series points races, Ryan Preece’s win at Bowman Gray proved deeply meaningful. The 35-year-old Berlin, Connecticut native has faced significant hurdles in his NASCAR career, including unstable team situations and multiple transitions since becoming a full-time Cup driver in 2019. After a three-year stint with JTG Daugherty Racing, Preece was left without a ride for most of 2022 and competed sporadically in different NASCAR series.
His emotional reaction after the race revealed just how much the victory meant to him. After exiting his No. 60 Ford, Preece admitted,
I hate talking about it, because I hate getting emotional about it,
and added,
But it’s not just the Clash. Winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it.
Race Conditions Played to Preece’s Strengths
Adverse weather shaped the race, requiring drivers to use rain tires for parts of the event, which suited Preece’s style perfectly. Known as a short-track expert with more than 25 victories on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Preece was confident on the quarter-mile oval. Reflecting on the unique surface and conditions, he said,
When it comes to this style of racing, it’s what I grew up doing. … It’s an absolute grind.
Despite the non-points status of the Clash, Preece expressed how important winning was for his career and morale. In a post-race interview, he stated,
But winning means everything. Man, I’m just speechless.
Significance of the Victory and What’s Next for Preece
Ryan Preece’s win at the Cook Out Clash is a pivotal moment that could reshape perceptions of his potential in NASCAR’s top tier. Although the event does not affect Cup Series standings, the triumph highlights his skill on short tracks and perseverance through a tumultuous career path involving multiple teams and series. With this confidence boost, Preece may build momentum as the regular season approaches, aiming to translate this emotional success into his first official points victory.
As the NASCAR season continues, observers and fans will watch closely to see if this breakthrough at Bowman Gray Stadium is the start of a new chapter in Preece’s racing journey, potentially elevating him among elite drivers like Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin who have previously risen from Clash winners to champions on the circuit.
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
