Ryan Preece achieved a long-sought goal at Bowman Gray earlier this week, clinching his first ever NASCAR Cup Series win after nearly ten years of steady persistence. This emotional victory not only marked a personal milestone for Preece, but also fulfilled a dream he had chased throughout his career—a journey made even more meaningful by his own resilience and determination in the world of NASCAR.
Preece’s road to success has been marked by years of transition between teams, having raced for organizations like Rick Ware and Stewart-Haas before joining RFK Racing for 2025 under the leadership of Brad Keselowski. Not one of those changes brought the kind of triumph he finally experienced at the 2026 Clash. The struggle to prove himself was ever-present, with success often seeming just out of reach despite several commendable efforts in past seasons.
Emotional Aftermath and Personal Reflection
The impact of the win lingered long after the checkered flag. In a conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR, Preece opened up about carrying the weight of expectations and his determination to become a successful race car driver at the sport’s highest level. After returning to his home following the race, the rush of emotion prompted him to leave immediately, driving his motorhome toward New Smyrna late into the night. Somewhere in the early hours between 2:30 and 3:00 a.m., the magnitude of his accomplishment struck him.
“I felt lighter. And what I mean by that is, I just carry it on all on my back of the things that I want to achieve and accomplish, and who I want to be as a race car driver. And, one of those things was winning at this level and not taking it for granted,”
said Ryan Preece, Race Car Driver.
The victory finally ended a quiet fear that had followed Preece throughout his career. Each season brought the threat of returning home without a major win, but this triumph banished those doubts once and for all. As Preece explained,
“I didn’t want to have to one day go back north and feel like I didn’t accomplish that ultimate goal, which was winning at this level and succeeding amongst other things.”
—Ryan Preece, Race Car Driver.
Preece put into words the relief and the pressure removed by finally taking the checkered flag first.
“And I feel like that was that check in the box to now hopefully keep continuing these type of opportunities of races where you can go and capitalize and win. And they always say your first is your hardest. And I didn’t ever think it would be this damn hard.”
—Ryan Preece, Race Car Driver.
Near Wins and the Path to Victory
Prior to his breakthrough at Bowman Gray, Preece repeatedly brushed up against victory without ever claiming it. Last season, he secured a third-place finish at Las Vegas, and in 2019 delivered a similar result at Talladega. While those races offered tantalizing glimpses of what he was capable of, it was not until the 2026 Clash that Preece finally realized the result that defines a Cup Series career.
Even though the Bowman Gray victory came in an exhibition event and did not count for points, it solidified Preece’s presence in the Cup Series and provided tangible evidence of his ability to finish the job at the highest level. To Preece, the validation meant every bit as much as the trophy itself, and underscored the effort it took to reach this point.
Preece’s Grassroots Racing Roots
Despite his Cup Series triumph, Preece has stayed true to his roots in short-track competitions. Regular returns to places like Stafford and New Smyrna keep him grounded, where he races alongside drivers who would do anything for a Cup Series opportunity. That perspective shapes both his humility and his gratitude, particularly as he reflects on the steep climb that brought him from local short tracks to NASCAR’s main stage.
The emotion was particularly raw during his post-race interview at Bowman Gray, as the reality of his journey settled in. Preece acknowledged that just two years before, he doubted his own place in racing’s top tier, fearing a move back to Connecticut as job opportunities dwindled. Addressing the crowd after the win, he was overcome with emotion, his voice trembling and tears appearing as a decade of determination finally culminated in victory.
Impact on Career and Looking Ahead
This win signifies far more than a trophy for Ryan Preece; it’s the resolution of a pursuit that defined his career and a powerful sign of possibility for the years to come. The personal and professional validation achieved at Bowman Gray may serve as a foundation for further growth, both for himself and his new team at RFK Racing under Brad Keselowski. As he sets his sights on more Cup victories and cements his place among the circuit’s best, those who follow NASCAR will be watching closely to see where this emotional upturn leads Ryan Preece next, especially as he carves out his place in racing history.
What did @RyanPreece_ do to celebrate his first ever Cup win in the @nascarclash?
Drive down to New Smyrna through the night, of course 🛣️
But it allowed for some reflection on what the win meant and how it made him feel.
🏁 "I felt lighter."
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/8mq3QUZgHQ
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) February 6, 2026
