WINSTON-SALEM, NC. – Ryan Preece picked up the first NASCAR victory of the season on Wednesday night in a damp Bowman Gray Stadium. The driver of the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford Mustang survived a chaotic Cook Out Clash at the Madhouse, fending off a late push from William Byron and Ryan Blaney.
A night which began under green flag conditions, after a three-day weather day, felt like it may never end. And certainly took every ounce of energy and effort, from all involved. In the end, Preece prevailed in the 200-lap NASCAR Cup Series feature race on the historic 0.25 mile oval by 1.752 seconds, however.
While this race may not count in the official standings, it sure meant a lot to Preece and the RFK Racing team. After countless pace car laps, track drying preparations and a tremendous effort from NASCAR to complete all 200 laps, Ryan Preece crossed the finish line just after 9 p.m. on the east coast.
A marathon day at Bowman Gray comes to a thrilling end, with a feel-good story for the ages.
This marks Preece’s first career Cup Series win, at the beginning of his ninth cup season, driving for an organization that has been through hell and back since the end of 2025.
Team co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg during a ski accident in December and had to miss the event. Keselowski was the one to give Preece a chance in the No. 60 Ford Mustang last season, when it looked like his Cup Series racing days may be over.
The New Hampshire native and modified magician picks up his first Cup Series win at a track all too familiar to him, making it even more special.
RFK Racing also honors the life and legacy of longtime driver Greg Biffle, who tragically passed away in a plane crash just last month, an hour down the road in Statesville.
The NASCAR community has been mourning the loss of Biffle and honored him with his iconic No. 16 decal on the side of each race car Wednesday night.
RFK Racing also plans to run stylized Biffle numbers on their cars at next week’s Daytona 500, symbolizing just how important the former NASCAR driver and civillian hero was to this community.
What a win for Ryan Preece, the RFK Racing organization, the fans in the stands at Bowman Gray Stadium and NASCAR for successfully completing the Clash, despite major weather challenges and hurdles.
A job well done by all, on a memorable night at the Madhouse.
Well, this day began with a drive up to Winston-Salem at 5 a.m. this morning and now concludes with Preece feeling the confetti in victory lane. A day that felt like a lifetime brought a jar full of memories and incredible storylines.
Now, it’s time to get some rest.
Jackson Fryburger, from EasySportz, signing off in the press box of Bowman Gray. Make sure to check back with us throughout the week as we recap the Cook Out Clash and turn the page to Daytona Speedweeks.
Welcome back, race fans. What a start to the 2026 season.
See y’all in Daytona.
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