Ryan Preece wins Clash in a dramatic and emotionally charged upset at the Cook Out Clash, held Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium, following days of delays and unpredictable weather. The second-year RFK Racing driver ended the night as a first-time winner in this unique NASCAR preseason exhibition, capturing a significant milestone in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The night unfolded with rain and sleet complicating an event already postponed three days by winter weather, but Preece prevailed, steering his No. 60 Ford to victory in front of a crowd craving action and underlining his grit in NASCAR’s highest tier.
Preece Achieves a Long-Awaited Breakthrough
Though the Cook Out Clash does not award points toward the Cup Series season, Ryan Preece’s win stands as a testament to his persistence and resilience amidst ongoing battles for relevance and stability in NASCAR’s premier league. The victory at Bowman Gray Stadium’s iconic quarter-mile track marked the first time Preece, a 35-year-old native of Berlin, Connecticut, has finished atop a field in the Cup Series, despite 223 prior attempts without a win.
This achievement places Preece alongside legends such as Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer, and Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner. Both drivers also claimed the Clash before ever securing a points-paying victory, making Preece just the third driver in the exhibition’s 48-year history to do so.
Emerging from his vehicle visibly moved, Preece became emotional during post-race interviews as he recounted the challenges faced since he began racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2019. His path has included stints with three different organizations, time out of a regular ride in 2022, and numerous races across NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series, all while searching for stability and a breakthrough moment.
Despite Wednesday’s win not affecting his official record, which still shows him without an official Cup Series victory, the significance of this result was not lost on Preece or his supporters. William Byron crossed the line second, 1.75 seconds behind, underscoring how unexpected Preece’s night of triumph really was.
“I hate talking about it, because I hate getting emotional about it,”
Preece shared after claiming victory, then added,
“But it’s not just the Clash. Winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it.”
Weather Plays a Major Role in the Race
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray tested all drivers as rain and sleet forced the field onto rain tires for part of the race, intensifying the already tricky conditions on the short, narrow track. For Preece, whose background includes over 25 wins in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and a reputation for dominating at short tracks, the adverse weather became an unexpected advantage.
Preece described himself as a specialist when it comes to this type of fierce, short-track competition that often devolves into a demanding struggle for survival and success. His deep roots in this style of racing helped him keep his composure and capitalize on the chaos as the laps ticked down and the cautions mounted—17 in total over the course of the event.
“When it comes to this style of racing, it’s what I grew up doing. … It’s an absolute grind.”
he shared, referencing the taxing nature of the night and the satisfaction of finally taking the checkered flag after leading the final 45 laps.
Overwhelmed by the moment, Preece’s emotions spilled over into his post-race interviews, reflecting the enormous personal importance of the victory, which resonated throughout the stadium and across the sport.
“But winning means everything. Man, I’m just speechless.”
Preece remarked, summing up the intensity of the night.
Significance and What’s Ahead for Ryan Preece
While the Cook Out Clash is not an official points race, Ryan Preece’s win delivers a huge boost to his confidence, reaffirms his place in NASCAR’s top tier, and injects excitement into the new racing season. The victory, set against a dramatic backdrop of bad weather and historic company, serves as a defining moment for both the driver and RFK Racing.
Preece’s story exemplifies the determination required to survive and succeed in NASCAR’s ultra-competitive environment, and his emotional celebration in Victory Lane at Bowman Gray will remain memorable for fans and competitors alike.
With this breakthrough at the Winston-Salem venue, eyes across the paddock will now turn to Preece’s performance in coming points races, wondering if this emotionally-charged triumph can spark even greater achievements for him, his team, and his supporters in the months ahead.
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
