Preece Scores First Victory in Historic Cook Out Clash!

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (Fisher Gianotti, Darlington, 2025)

Winston-Salem, N.C.-- History was made in the 48th running of the Cook Out Clash as Roush Fenway Keselowski driver Ryan Preece become the third cup series driver in history to earn his first career win in a non-points race. The 8 Season cup veteran joined the likes of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon and future hall of famer Denny Hamlin in being the first driver to achieve the feat since Hamlin 2006.

Additionally, this clash saw a numerous number of records. First off, the clash became the longest clash to complete in history, as it tallied a record-setting 17 cautions along with a race that took a combined three hours and thirteen minutes to complete. At the halfway break, NASCAR also set another first, having the first ever sleet caution in the sports history. The race was also the 4th recorded coldest race in the sports history.

Despite the wacky race, the win for Preece is meaningful and the emotion was filled. Firstly, for RFK this was their first race back since the tragedy during the offseason that saw the loss of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle. Secondly for Preece, just a season ago, his career was up in limbo after facing a tough situation with the departure of Stewart-Haas Racing. Preece thought his career was likely over, and that he was packing his bags to go back home to Connecticut.

Instead, Keselowski signed Preece in what at the time was a controversial deal, and since then the dividend has paid off. In 2025 Preece barley missed out on the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, but saw career-highs in every category showing huge promise. While Preece's future beyond this season with the team is unclear as they would need to find a third charter to maintain the organization roster structure, it is clear that 2025 was not a fluke for the veteran.

Preece will also look to carry his momentum into Daytona as he nearly had a shot to win the Daytona 500 last season.

2026 Cook Out Clash Final Results:

Up Next:

NASCAR will head to Daytona for the 68th running of the Daytona 500 to officially start off its 2026 season. Last season, Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron won the Great American Race, becoming the 5th driver to achieve the feat of winning back-to-back 500's. Coverage will begin Wednesday, January 11th, for Qualifying as the front-row will be set for the race. Qualifying is slated to begin at 8:15 pm ET and coverage can be found on Fox!