Ryan Preece accomplished a career milestone by clinching his first NASCAR Cup Series Clash victory at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, marking a breakthrough moment at the sport’s highest level. This hard-fought win, achieved in an exhibition format, became a highlight in Preece’s journey and serves as validation for the faith placed in him by RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski.
Preece Converts Opportunity into Victory at Bowman Gray
After more than ten years competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, Ryan Preece finally celebrated his inaugural trip to Victory Lane. While the Cook Out Clash isn’t part of the championship points schedule, the win carried significant meaning for Preece. The event, held at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, saw Preece drive for RFK Racing as a third entry—an opportunity extended by Brad Keselowski for the 2024 campaign and carried into 2025.
Preece built momentum toward the end of that season, recording seven top-15 results in the final ten races and placing inside the top ten in four of the last five, which helped him secure 18th position in the standings, the best finish of his Cup career to date. Entering the current season with revived optimism, Preece seized the chance to confirm his place in the field—and in the RFK Racing fold—by winning The Clash.
Winning from Deep in the Pack Amid Unpredictable Conditions
Beginning the race from 18th position on a snowy, slick surface while equipped with wet-weather tires, Preece navigated through the 23-car field. On Lap 156, just after a critical restart, he powered past Shane van Gisbergen to snatch the lead, and from that moment, he held on to the top spot for good. His move came in the thick of a run that featured 17 caution periods, constantly resetting the order and intensifying the challenge.
In the final stages, Preece widened his gap following the last restart at Lap 182, ultimately crossing the finish line with a 1.752-second lead over William Byron of HMS. Notably, Preece’s win broke the recent pattern at The Clash in which no competitor starting outside the front two rows had achieved victory since the event adopted its quarter-mile format at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022.
“I don’t even know what to say. To be honest with you, it’s been a (expletive) long road. It’s the Clash,”
Ryan Preece, winner.
“But man, it’s just been years and years of grinding. I’m just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Coca-Cola, all our partners, Bam, break open the pappy. Jack Roush, the Fenway Group. Two years ago I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut (tearing up). I’m just super, super emotional.”
Ryan Preece, winner.
Teamwork and Strategy define the No. 60 RFK Ford’s Success
After the race, Preece acknowledged the crucial efforts by his crew and the unified push behind the No. 60 RFK Ford Mustang. Overcoming adversity from his deep starting position, he navigated frequent cautions and made the most of key restarts, which proved paramount in gaining ground. Each successful restart moved him closer to the leaders before he executed his decisive charge for the win. Preece credited both his car’s capabilities and the tenacity required to endure such a demanding contest.
William Byron’s Runner-up Drive Highlights Competitive Field
William Byron scored his best finish yet in the Clash, starting on the front row and leading 14 laps. Byron demonstrated aggressive skill by muscling past teammate Kyle Larson between Laps 71 and 72 to gain his stint at the front. As the wet-tire portion thinned the field with collisions that knocked out top drivers like Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott, Byron remained steady. He resisted late charges, holding off Ryan Blaney over the closing 18 laps to secure second place.
“It was just a marathon race. I feel like NASCAR did a good job with the rain conditions,”
William Byron, HMS driver.
“I wish we would have had a practice session in the rain, just to kind of understand the characteristics a little better. It just seemed like guys were kind of using each other up. But then it started to dry up there at the end and it was fun. Overall, it was a solid finish and good start to the season for the No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet team.”
William Byron, HMS driver.
Packed Finishing Order Brings Mix of Emotions for Top Drivers
Behind the victors, Ryan Blaney claimed third while Daniel Suárez and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five in a race defined by interruptions and persistent on-track battles. Defending Clash champion Chase Elliott encountered difficulties after several incidents, finishing 17th despite an 11th-place start. The challenging race at Bowman Gray showcased how weather, restarts, and survival shaped the outcome for some of the sport’s most well-known names.
Broader Impact and What This Means for the Cup Series
Preece’s Clash victory is deeply meaningful, not only as personal validation but also as a testament to the depth and unpredictability in NASCAR’s top series. Brad Keselowski’s role in bringing Preece to RFK, combined with support from sponsors such as Kroger, Coca-Cola, and the Fenway Group, highlights the collective effort behind success at this level. William Byron’s strong performance likewise cements the fierce competition among HMS teammates and will likely serve as a springboard into the regular season.
The unpredictable clash at Bowman Gray, influenced by tricky weather and relentless racing, set an early tone for the year’s Cup Series campaign, signaling that both veterans and rising stars will battle fiercely, driven by both opportunity and determination.
