NASCAR
Ryan Preece Wins the Cook Out Clash in Wild Winter Weather
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Northeast Modified ace Ryan Preece has joined a very exclusive club. Only Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, and now Preece have all won the Clash before taking their first Cup points win. A past winner at Bowman Gray Stadium in his familiar Modified, 2026’s Clash threw many curveballs at Preece but still ended in victory lane.
Each of the top four starters took turns leading across the opening 100 laps. Polesitter Kyle Larson appeared dominant early. Right rear damage from wall contact, however, sent the reigning Cup champion back in the pack. By the halfway break, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs all took turns out front.
Short tempers are a given on a short track. pic.twitter.com/cN5HZQXNR3
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2026
The Clash’s second half was briefly delayed by some sleet, but went green in damp conditions. Not even one lap of green flag action happened before another caution, where Chase Briscoe regained command from Ty Gibbs.
Sleet is falling @BGSRacing #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/5J7ndfm8uC
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 5, 2026
We were green.
And then we were not. pic.twitter.com/gRHpQNs9Is
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2026
Once damp conditions set in and the line moved around, Carson Hocevar and Shane van Gisbergen both migrated forward. The New Zealand road racing phenom’s night soon became unraveled, however, after contact and a spin by Briscoe. Following a few spirited battles with Preece, the RFK Racing No. 60 checked out from this point onward, taking a maiden Cup Series exhibition win.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Preece said. “To be honest with you, it’s been a long road and I know it’s just the Clash. But it’s been years and years of grinding. I’m just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Coca-Cola, Bam, all our partners, Jack Roush, The Fenway Group. Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job, I thought I was going to go back to Connecticut. Man I’m just super, super emotional.”
Behind Preece at the checkers were William Byron and Ryan Blaney. Byron will try and make it a Daytona 500 three-peat in two weeks, while Blaney is left painfully close again at The Madhouse. Daniel Suarez and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top-five. The rest of the top-10 were: Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, and Alex Bowman. Hear a few driver’s post-race thoughts below.
.@Daniel_SuarezG ends his first @SpireMotorsport showing in 4th, and says the performance tonight will energize the No. 7 team moving forward. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/wisFtCZzWA
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 5, 2026
.@ConnorZilisch calls tonight chaotic but fun and says he appreciated being able to race in the wet. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Nj2IeU60HI
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 5, 2026
.@shanevg97 says it was fun running up front tonight and it was unlike anything he’s ever experienced racing in Supercars. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Jgj1tHvO52
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 5, 2026
NASCAR action returns in full force with Daytona Speedweeks. On-track action from The World Center of Racing kicks off with Cup Series practice on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The week of celebration and speed culminates with the 68th Running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15. Can Ryan Preece possibly carry Clash momentum into another career-defining win?
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
