Ryan Preece captured his maiden NASCAR Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway, edging Zane Smith on the final lap to claim the 16th and final spot in the season‑ending Chase.
A dramatic finish reshapes the playoff picture
The race unfolded in chaotic fashion when a multi‑car wreck involving Smith and Tyler Reddick brought out a caution, allowing Preece to seize the lead and execute a decisive pass that left Shane van Gisbergen, who had dominated Stage 1, scrambling for position.
Although Preece led only five laps, his late‑race maneuver earned him a 17‑point advantage over van Gisbergen and a place alongside Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric in the ten‑race playoff that begins September 6 at Darlington Raceway.
The finish underscored a redemption arc for Preece, who had survived a violent crash at Daytona three years earlier and a high‑profile wreck in the 2025 Daytona 500, and who took the opportunity to thank Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Jack Roush, the Fenway Group and Brad Keselowski for their support.
Finishing behind Preece were Daniel Suarez in second, Tyler Reddick third, Michael McDowell fourth and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fifth, while the crash also impacted Erik Jones and Ty Gibbs, who were caught in the melee.