Ryan Preece, a Connecticut native and driver for the No. 60 Kroger/OIKOS Ford entry, captured the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, 2026, delivering the performance that locked him into the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
The victory marked Preece’s maiden win in the premier stock‑car division, a milestone that propelled him into the 16‑driver playoff field and placed him alongside veteran Joey Logano, who had already secured his spot.
Overcoming a turbulent history at Daytona
For Preece, the triumph was especially poignant because it came after a series of harrowing crashes at Daytona that had left his car upside down in earlier races. This time, he navigated the high‑banked oval with composure, turning a potential disaster into a celebration.
The climax unfolded on the final lap when Zane Smith was nudged from behind, sending his car into a spin. Under the ensuing caution, Preece held his line, guided his machine through the chaos and crossed the finish line first.
His ascent to the playoffs also reshaped the Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing lineup, as the team now fields two playoff‑eligible entries, with Chris Buescher joining Preece in the postseason.
A career built on early successes
Preece’s early success at Stafford Motor Speedway, where he won the 2011 SK Modified season series, laid the foundation for his progression through the ranks, culminating in his debut in the Cup Series.
Off the circuit, the driver is set to marry his longtime partner Heather, a former SK Modified Rookie of the Year, adding a personal milestone to his professional breakthrough.