Ryan Preece reached a major milestone on Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium, capturing his first victory in a NASCAR Cup car by dominating the final laps of the Cook Out Clash. He finished nearly two seconds ahead of William Byron, marking a significant breakthrough since entering the top tier of stock car racing in 2015. This win, while outside the official NASCAR season, placed him alongside notable drivers like Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin who have also triumphed in the Clash before securing their first Cup Series victories.
Race Conditions and Team Strategy Prove Crucial
The 2026 Clash was marked by unpredictable weather and multiple cautions, which disrupted the flow and challenged drivers to adapt as rain delayed the event. Competitors struggled to maintain traction and control as wet and drying track conditions created changing racing lines. Preece and his team responded by making effective adjustments, allowing him to find the right car balance and manage tire wear more efficiently than his rivals. This tactical approach ultimately propelled him from mid-pack to the front in the closing stages.
Preece Embraces Short Tracks with Renewed Enthusiasm
Following the race, Preece expressed excitement about focusing more on short track racing throughout the season, highlighting how new tires and increased horsepower on shorter circuits presented a fresh challenge.
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,
said Preece.
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.
Support and Growth Fueled by Teammate and Crew Chief
Preece also credited his teammate Chris Buescher for significant influence on his development, praising him as one of the best drivers he has shared a garage with. The support from RFK Racing’s team owner Brad Keselowski was also acknowledged as a key factor in his progress.
I hold @Chris_Buescher on a pedestal!
—Ryan Preece
Beyond his teammates, Preece’s crew chief Derrick Finley earned his first Victory Lane celebration alongside the driver. Finley provided vital encouragement during the race to help Preece maintain composure amid challenging weather, motivating him to seize the opportunity.
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 telling Preece.
Looking Forward: Building Momentum for the 2026 Season
Last year, Preece completed his first full-time season with RFK Racing, finishing 18th in the standings with three top-five placements and 15 top-10 finishes. He narrowly missed out on a Talladega Superspeedway victory due to a late spoiler infraction disqualification, making the Cook Out Clash win an especially meaningful confidence boost. Starting 2026 with such a strong display suggests he is building momentum toward future successes across all track types, particularly short tracks that now hold a special appeal for him.
With this milestone win and the backing of an experienced crew and supportive teammates, Preece’s career trajectory appears poised for growth. Fans and analysts alike anticipate his official Victory Lane count to increase as the season progresses, fueled by the determination and focus demonstrated at Bowman Gray Stadium.
“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
