Ryan Preece secured a memorable first career victory in the NASCAR Cup Series by triumphing at the 2026 Cook Out Clash, held at Bowman Gray Stadium. Overcome with emotion, Preece celebrated this hard-earned win after 214 starts, finally achieving a long-awaited milestone and highlighting his perseverance and dedication within the top level of stock car racing.
An Emotional Victory for Ryan Preece at Bowman Gray Stadium
The opening race of the 2026 NASCAR season saw Ryan Preece, driving the #60 for RFK Racing, take the checkered flag after a thrilling duel with William Byron in the closing laps. Preece’s win did not earn him points due to the exhibition nature of the Clash event, but it represented a deeply meaningful achievement after years of effort in the series. Preece could not hide his tears, reflecting on the intensity of finally earning his maiden Cup Series win as the crowd at Bowman Gray cheered him on.
The victory resonated beyond the immediate celebration, serving as a testament to Preece’s resilience throughout his racing journey. Though the Cook Out Clash win was not a points-paying event, it signified a remarkable personal and professional accomplishment for the Connecticut native. Preece took the moment to publicly thank teammate Brad Keselowski for his faith and support, as well as RFK Racing and sponsors who believed in his potential at NASCAR’s elite level.
“I don’t even know what to say, To be honest with you, it’s been a f**king 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.”
Ryan Preece said.
Overcoming Setbacks and Doubts on the Road to Success
Preece’s NASCAR career has seen significant adversity. After parting ways with Stewart-Haas Racing, he faced a period of grave uncertainty, fearing for his future in the sport. He openly confessed that, just two years prior, he believed he was close to losing his job and considered returning to his hometown in Connecticut to start over in another profession. Instead, his breakthrough at the Clash silenced doubters and reinvigorated his ambitions, fueling both his own hopes and those of his supporters throughout the racing community.
“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 added.
Preece’s emotional reaction to the win struck a chord with fans watching live and on social media, further highlighting the passion he has brought to his Cup Series journey and the obstacles he overcame to reach this point.
RFK Racing’s Strong Performance Makes the Difference
The collaborative effort at RFK Racing proved crucial in delivering Preece’s victory. The team provided him with a competitive car, enabling him to charge through the field and ultimately contend for the win against some of the best drivers, including William Byron. Preece singled out the team’s preparedness and resilience, particularly as they coped with weather delays and multiple race restarts throughout the evening.
“We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting through adversity all day, 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 noted
Each challenge RPK Racing faced was met with determination, and when opportunity knocked in the final moments, Preece capitalized, racing aggressively in the last two laps to seal his emotional first victory at the Cup level.
Looking Ahead: Daytona 500 Offers New Opportunities
With his maiden Cup Series win in hand, Ryan Preece now turns his focus to the next race—the prestigious Daytona 500. The Daytona circuit, revered throughout NASCAR, presents a unique and potentially career-altering opportunity. Energized by his recent triumph and the support of his team and backers like Kroger, Coca-Cola, and the Fenway Group, Preece hopes to carry his momentum forward, challenging for more wins, points, and a legitimate shot at the championship as the 2026 season continues.
This pivotal victory has clearly fortified Preece’s determination, signaling to fans and competitors alike that his journey is far from over. Preece, having finally ascended to NASCAR race winner status, will aim to realize even greater accomplishments in the races and seasons to come.
You can tell how much this means to @RyanPreece_. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7Br25g97wv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2026
