Ryan Preece celebrated his first exhibition victory during the dramatic NASCAR Clash, held Wednesday night on the historic quarter-mile at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, overcoming rain, sleet, and numerous collisions. The Ryan Preece NASCAR Clash win unfolded in extraordinary weather, with the snow-delayed event pushing drivers and teams to their limits throughout the two-hour race.
Preece Claims Victory on Home Turf
A lifelong short-track racer from the Northeast, Preece leveraged his experience to lead the final 45 laps, marking his first trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s Cup Series. With 223 Cup starts and seven previous top-five finishes, Preece, now with RFK Racing, finally grasped his breakthrough moment at Bowman Gray.
“When it comes to this style of racing, it’s what I grew up doing. … It’s not a points race, but winning means everything. Man, I’m just speechless.”
– Ryan Preece
Preece described himself as a “quarter-mile killer,” a nod to his roots and affinity for tight, gritty circuits. Following this win, he planned to embark on a seven-hour journey to Florida for more short-track competition at New Smyrna Speedway, showcasing his dedication and love for racing year-round. The schedule disruption, caused by a rare weekend snowstorm that pushed the Clash from Sunday to Wednesday, made for a tense wait and a marathon event.
“I race, man. It’s what it’s about. This is going to make that drive a hell of a lot better because seven hours, I figure I’ll get to … New Smyrna about 7 a.m.”
– Ryan Preece
His determination to “grind it out,” both on the track and during his post-race travels, exemplified his resilience on a night defined by adversity and perseverance, culminating in a major milestone for the 35-year-old driver.
Hamlin Battles to Fifth After Tumultuous Run
Denny Hamlin secured a fifth-place finish behind William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Daniel Suarez, in a race where caution flags waved 17 times. Hamlin’s night was particularly challenging, with the veteran driver finding himself spun out multiple times, but fighting through each incident. His recent months have included heartbreak at Phoenix after losing the Cup title, a major legal victory with his 23XI Racing team, and personal tragedy following his father’s death and his mother’s injuries in a house fire.
“It was a good preseason [race], but I think once we get to Daytona, things will start to get a little bit more normal, things will be a little more serious. And you’ll know the stakes are going to get high here in 10 days [with the Daytona 500],”
Hamlin said.
Despite these setbacks, Hamlin used the Clash as an opportunity to find balance and momentum heading into the crucial weeks of the Cup Series season.
Controversial Fuel Strategy Stirs Paddock Tension
Midway through the event, fuel became a flashpoint after several drivers ran dry. While the race’s format did not count caution laps, frequent interruptions led NASCAR to permit all participants to take on fuel. This decision, however, frustrated some, especially after teams like Chase Briscoe’s had anticipated such chaos by filling their tanks ahead of time. Briscoe, who led 35 laps, finished sixth, and his crew chief James Small voiced his displeasure about the midrace adjustments.
“I didn’t know all the circumstances that were going on, but I know James was not thrilled with the situation,”
said Briscoe.
“It definitely after that, it kind of killed me. And a lot of guys were doing adjustments, and you weren’t supposed to be doing adjustments. … Kind of frustrating a little bit.”
– Chase Briscoe
Adding to the confusion, William Byron regained his spot after running out of fuel, prompting further debate about rule interpretations in this exhibition format. Given the non-points nature of the event, opinions differed, but most anticipated any lingering dissatisfaction would dissipate quickly.
Suarez Impresses in Spire Motorsports Debut
Daniel Suarez made a notable debut for Spire Motorsports, having moved from Trackhouse Racing after five years. He finished strongly, racing his former Trackhouse teammates particularly hard and maintaining his passionate, competitive edge.
“I race people the same way they race me,”
Suarez remarked.
“I love everyone. If they give me love, I give love. If they give me hate, I give hate.”
– Daniel Suarez
His performance indicated that the transition to a new team hasn’t diminished his fiery approach on the track, and his result further cements his presence as a challenger this season.
Weather Shapes Clash and Raises Future Questions
Bowman Gray Stadium, owned by the city of Winston-Salem and also serving as the football field for Winston-Salem State University, provided a historic but inhospitable setting. A significant snowstorm dumped more than eight inches prior to race night, and freezing rain led to treacherous conditions, with ice pellets and wet asphalt making for unpredictable racing. Over half the race unfolded with cars equipped with rain tires, leading NASCAR to wave the caution flag 13 times for spins and accidents.
“I don’t think you can judge a race or a track off of that weird weather circumstance,”
said 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney.
“I think this place, honestly, judging off the first half, put on a good show.”
“Just the way [in the rain], calamity as it would be with anyplace. I appreciate the fans sticking around all night. I bet that was brutal in those aluminum grandstands. Cold asses up there.”
– Ryan Blaney
The success and chaos of the Clash at Bowman Gray have rekindled debate on whether NASCAR should continue to stage this preseason showcase at the classic short track, or return it to a different venue in future years.
Looking Ahead to Daytona and the Season’s Next Chapter
With the Clash completed, the NASCAR Cup Series now prepares for the season-opening Daytona 500 in just 10 days. The endurance and skill shown by drivers like Preece, Hamlin, and Suarez under severe weather offer a preview of the challenges and intensity expected throughout the 2024 campaign. While the exhibition nature of the Clash meant no championship points were on the line, the experience forged new storylines and set the stage for rivalries and narratives that will shape the season ahead, with Daytona promising even higher stakes for NASCAR’s superstars.
