Ryan Preece delivered a compelling performance at Bowman Gray Stadium, navigating delays and wet conditions to secure his first victory with RFK Racing during the Cook Out Clash exhibition on Wednesday, February 4. This Ryan Preece Clash win came after the race was postponed for several days and provided fans with a memorable and intense NASCAR Cup Series showdown.
Unpredictable Race Shaped by Weather
The Cook Out Clash faced multiple postponements due to inclement weather, prompting extraordinary efforts from the entire NASCAR community to ensure the event could proceed. Originally scheduled earlier, the race ultimately took place in Winston-Salem after persistent rain and sleet forced rescheduling, setting the stage for a dramatic contest under challenging conditions.
Preece’s triumph marks his first appearance in victory lane at a Cup Series event, though he still awaits a win in a points-paying race. The final finishing order saw William Byron claim second place, Ryan Blaney third, Daniel Suarez fourth, and Denny Hamlin rounding out the top five. Each of these drivers adapted to the shifting track conditions and frequent cautions that defined this year’s exhibition.
Race Developments and On-Track Clashes
The early stages of the race featured defending series champion Kyle Larson starting strong, leading comfortably for the initial 40 laps while Byron and Ty Gibbs climbed through the field. Larson proved difficult to overtake until the first caution, which occurred after the leaders encountered lapped traffic and debris brought the action to a halt.
Following the ensuing restart, Bubba Wallace struggled to maintain pace from his position on the outside lane, dropping spots before being turned around after contact with Ross Chastain and Ryan Blaney. As FOX: NASCAR reported,
“Things get stacked up and Bubba Wallace goes around. pic.twitter.com/5eM5kwBUja”
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX)
Shortly after, Byron managed to work past Larson for the lead, only for the Joe Gibbs Racing pair of Briscoe and Gibbs to quickly follow in pursuit. At the race’s midpoint, Ty Gibbs found himself in front, but another round of wintry weather in Winston-Salem forced an extended break as sleet descended on the track. This suspenseful pause amplified the intensity for both drivers and spectators.
Emotions Flare and Weather Alters Strategy
During the caution period, emotions ran high as several drivers, including Wallace and Daniel Suarez, expressed visible frustration. In a sequence noted by FOX: NASCAR,
“Hey, Mother Nature … wanted to touch base again …”
#HotPass pic.twitter.com/e6BvsLJfqI— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) captured the mood as conditions refused to cooperate.
As action resumed, drivers were fitted with wet tires for the remainder of the clash. The slippery surface contributed to immediate incidents: Hamlin, Larson, and Preece all spun on the opening lap after the restart, causing more chaos in the crowded field. Briscoe capitalized, gaining control at the front as competitors like Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Blaney absorbed damage amid various on-track incidents.
Carson Hocevar surged forward during the series of restarts, eventually leading before Shane van Gisbergen took over, only to have Preece battle back to the front as the cautions continued to disrupt momentum. Throughout the event, the drivers reacted intensely to each twist in circumstances, pushing the limits to gain every position possible.
Preece Claims Victory and Season Implications
With less than 60 laps remaining, the competition intensified, but Ryan Preece managed to stay composed, reclaiming the lead amidst the ongoing mayhem. As the race concluded, Preece celebrated his first Cup-level checkered flag with RFK Racing, signaling a promising start to his 2026 campaign. This win acts as a breakthrough for Preece and positions him as one to watch, even as he continues to pursue his maiden points-paying Cup victory.
Fans and teams now turn their attention to the Daytona International Speedway for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, set for Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. This “Great American Race,” covered widely by FOX, will mark the official points-opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series season, serving as a significant test for competitors including Preece, Byron, Blaney, Suarez, Hamlin, and others eager to solidify their standing as contenders for the championship.
Things get stacked up and Bubba Wallace goes around. pic.twitter.com/5eM5kwBUja
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 4, 2026
“Hey, Mother Nature … wanted to touch base again …” #HotPass pic.twitter.com/e6BvsLJfqI
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
Things are heating up! pic.twitter.com/eU69WvzTFc
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 5, 2026
