Ryan Preece finally claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series win on Wednesday night, taking a dramatic victory in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The long-awaited Ryan Preece NASCAR Clash win was an emotional milestone for the driver, who had yet to find Victory Lane in his 214 previous Cup starts.
Preece’s Journey From Setbacks to Victory
This win marks a pivotal point in Ryan Preece’s career, reflecting years of perseverance and uncertainty. Entering his eighth season, Preece faced unemployment after Stewart-Haas Racing shut down in 2024. Thanks to Brad Keselowski’s trust and a spot at RFK Racing in the No. 60 Ford, Preece found new footing and reignited his career.
“I don’t even know what to say,”
—Ryan Preece, Cup Series Driver
“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, and I’m just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Coca-Cola, all our partners — break open the Pappy — Jack Roush, the Fenway Group. Two years ago, I didn’t think I was gonna have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I’m just super, super, super emotional.”
—Ryan Preece, Cup Series Driver
Overcome with joy and relief, Preece acknowledged the support system that helped him reach this milestone, including Keselowski, Jack Roush, and his team’s sponsors. The win, although part of an exhibition event without Cup Series points on the line, gave Preece the experience he had sought for years: celebrating as the victor at a NASCAR Cup event.
Racing Against the Odds and Capitalizing Under Pressure
Preece qualified for the Clash with speed and put in a strong performance by leading 27 of the 200 laps. Despite challenges throughout the night, he remained in contention, ultimately making the crucial move in the final lap to secure the win. The victory was especially sweet after a standout season in 2025, where Preece narrowly missed the postseason and finished 18th in points—a career best.
“We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting through adversity all day,”
—Ryan Preece, Cup Series Driver
“Trying to come from the back, and we got a lot of good spots and when we were putting rain tires on — this is as much a mental game as anything, and I felt beat up. We had a couple restarts go our way and before you know it, we were in the front two rows and then the claws just come out. … I’m speechless, man. That last two laps — I’m speechless.”
—Ryan Preece, Cup Series Driver
After a mental and physical battle on the track, Preece described how crucial moments, including tire strategy and timely restarts, helped propel him to the front when it mattered most. The dramatic finish underscored his resilience and ability to capitalize under pressure—a trait that had often left him just short of victory in previous seasons.
Preece’s Next Challenge and the Road Ahead
With his Clash victory celebrated, Ryan Preece is shifting his focus to the season-opening Daytona 500, aiming to build on his newfound momentum. The support from RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski, Jack Roush, and key sponsors like Kroger and Coca-Cola has positioned Preece for a strong run in 2026. His determination and persistence exemplify the challenges and emotional highs that define a NASCAR career, making his Bowman Gray win both a personal triumph and a moment of inspiration for fans and fellow competitors alike.
Preece now seeks to continue this positive trajectory as he prepares for the sport’s biggest stage at Daytona, with newfound confidence and a hard-earned spot in the NASCAR spotlight.
You can tell how much this means to @RyanPreece_. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7Br25g97wv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2026
