Ryan Preece Scores Emotional Win in Seemingly Never-Ending Clash

Preece breaks through for first career NASCAR Cup Series victory in wild Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Ryan Preece finally struck paydirt in the NASCAR Cup Series with a win in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray. After taking the win, Preece showed major emotion, saying "I don't even know what to say, to be honest with you, it's been a long f---ing road." The race was delayed multiple times due to weather and featured 17 cautions, but Preece was masterful on late-race restarts to secure the victory.

Why it matters

Preece has done everything in his power to remain a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series despite less-than-stellar equipment in the early years of his career. This win, while not a points-paying event, is an important milestone for Preece and a feel-good story for NASCAR fans.

The details

Preece was zeroing in on victory lane throughout the entirety of his first season with RFK Racing a year ago, and he finally broke through on Wednesday night. He was emotional in his post-race interview, choking back tears as he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. Preece was masterful on late-race restarts, which allowed him to stretch out to a 1.7-second lead over the competition by the time the checkered flag was dropped.

  • The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium took place on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The race was delayed multiple times due to a historic winter-weather storm in North Carolina.

The players

Ryan Preece

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who has done everything in his power to remain a full-time competitor in the series despite less-than-stellar equipment in the early years of his career. He finally broke through for his first career NASCAR Cup Series win in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

William Byron

The driver who finished runner-up to Preece in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Ryan Blaney

The driver who finished third in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, following up his runner-up finish in this event a year ago.

Daniel Suarez

The driver who finished fourth in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, but was involved in several incidents with other drivers throughout the night.

Denny Hamlin

The driver who finished fifth in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, despite being involved in a few of the incidents on the night and admitting to not utilizing his usual level of preparation ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't even know what to say, to be honest with you, it's been a long f---ing road. You know, it's the Clash, 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.”

— Ryan Preece

“Two years ago, I didn't think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I am super, super, super emotional.”

— Ryan Preece

“Actually with Bubba, it was just a misunderstanding. With Bubba, it wasn't a big deal, but he doesn't know that yet. I didn't know we were done, because they said to keep going, and I guess he slowed down, and I think he thought I was mad at him, and he started to get crazy, and then he cooled down himself. I wasn't mad at him at all. I was mad at a couple of other people, but not to him.”

— Daniel Suarez

“I race people the same way they race me. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not racist. I love everyone. If they give me love, I give love. If they give me hate, I give hate. That's just the way it works.”

— Daniel Suarez

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will head to Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026. That race will serve as the official kick-off for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series slate of 36 points-paying races.

The takeaway

This win for Ryan Preece is a feel-good story for NASCAR fans, as the driver has persevered through difficult circumstances to remain a full-time competitor in the Cup Series. His emotional reaction in victory lane underscores the significance of this milestone achievement, even though it came in a non-points race.