Ryan Preece‘s NASCAR victory at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray became a deeply emotional moment not just for the triumph itself, but because of who was there to share it with him. The 35-year-old driver opened up about what truly moved him to tears in a recent interview, shining a light on the personal and professional ties that shaped his unforgettable win.
An Emotional Milestone at Bowman Gray
On February 4, 2026, Ryan Preece achieved a pivotal moment in his racing career by winning the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This victory marked his first major NASCAR Cup Series win after years of grit in the lower-tier series. Preece’s emotional reaction immediately after the race was seen nationwide as he struggled to speak through tears. While many assumed it was the long road and relentless pursuit culminating in this accomplishment, Preece soon revealed a deeper cause for the outpouring of emotion—his connection to the interviewer, Regan Smith.
Regan Smith’s Impact: The Man Behind the Mic
Preece discussed the source of his emotions during an episode of the Stacking Pennies podcast, where hosts Corey LaJoie and Ryan Flores had brought up Denny Hamlin’s shoulder surgery when Preece unexpectedly called in. On the call, Preece recounted the moment Regan Smith, a former NASCAR veteran now working as a Fox Sports journalist, approached him for the post-race interview. The sight of Smith, whom Preece respected as a fellow “grinder,” hit him with a wave of realization and pride.
“I mean, honestly, when you cross the line, and you win, and your whole thing, and when I looked at Regan in the eyes, that’s really when it hit me.”
—Ryan Preece
Exhausted and running on less than an hour of sleep because of late-night preparations, Preece credited Smith for causing his emotions to overflow. Smith, who debuted in NASCAR’s Truck Series at just 18 and earned a Cup Series win at Darlington in 2011, built his legacy not on raw speed but on relentless perseverance. Preece admires Smith for his consistent hard work—a quality both men share in their careers.
“I’ve known Regan for quite a while, and he was a grinder, and I could see it in him, and I’m like, ‘Oh shit, here it comes.’ So, I couldn’t hold it back…”
—Ryan Preece
Preece, referencing his own journey, did not shy away from describing how challenging the road has been:
“To be honest with you, it’s been a f*cking long road. It’s the Clash but man, it’s been years and years of grinding,”
said Preece.
After Stewart-Haas Racing closed in 2024, questions surrounded Preece’s future. Yet, RFK Racing took a chance on him, restoring his hope and providing a platform for this resounding victory. The win was not only a personal triumph, but also a signal to teams and fans that hard work can eventually pay off.
The Absence of Family Casts a Shadow Over the Celebration
Despite the magnitude of his victory, Preece felt his celebration lacked something fundamental—his loved ones. His wife, Heather, and two young children were not present at Bowman Gray, reminding him that triumphs are sweeter when shared with family. This absence was both practical and heartfelt: the cold February temperatures in North Carolina and the late hour made it unsuitable for small kids.
Ryan Flores, co-host of the podcast, highlighted a particularly touching moment between Preece and his wife:
“My favorite was when you saw Heather on FaceTime, and you went, ‘Fu– me.’ You’re not. I wish you were here. Like, I felt that in my soul, like, ‘Man, I wish my wife and kids were here,’ because they’ve been through the struggle with you.”
—Ryan Flores
Preece explained that Heather had supported him at past Truck and Xfinity races, but with a one-year-old son and a daughter born in 2023, it was safer for the family to support him from home this time:
“When I was driving down here, I was thinking about it, because she was there for that truck race. She was there for the Xfinity race, and obviously, when you have kids, to have them out there that late at night, it’s like, I don’t think you want to bring them out there. It’s gonna be thirty-four degrees, this and that.”
—Ryan Preece
The emotional distance was palpable, especially for a driver who sees family as his greatest source of strength and motivation.
“I almost wish I said, ‘Hey, you know what, we just came out.’ Because if I was able to see Rebecca running at me, and Heather, I guess that’s just more incentive to go do it again.”
—Ryan Preece
The Drive That Fuels Ryan Preece
Preece’s story resonates widely within the garage and among fans because it highlights the sacrifices racers—and their families—make. With every win, the fatigue, doubts, and setbacks are countered by brief surges of celebration, often savoring what still lies ahead. Preece, encouraged by the possibility of sharing future wins with his family, has made it clear that he is eager for more. The Cook Out Clash may be just the beginning for what the 2026 NASCAR season could bring for him.
For Preece, the real reward is not just the trophy or career milestone, but the validation of years of perseverance and the chance to one day see his kids and wife cheering by the finish line. The NASCAR community, stirred by his candidness and determination, now watches to see if this breakthrough at Bowman Gray sparks a new era for Ryan Preece in the Cup Series.
