Ryan Preece, a Connecticut native driving the No. 60 Kroger/OIKOS Ford, captured the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, 2026, delivering the victory that secured the final playoff spot in the 16‑driver postseason.
A dramatic finish under caution
On the final lap, Zane Smith’s bump set off a chain reaction, but Preece navigated the chaos and crossed the line first as the race was called under caution. The result placed him ahead of Shane van Gisbergen for the coveted playoff position.
The win marked a turning point for Preece’s Roush Fenway Racing team, adding a second playoff entry alongside teammate Chris Buescher and giving the organization a rare double presence in the postseason.
A career built on perseverance
Preece’s triumph follows a long journey that began in regional Midget and Modified series, where he captured the 2011 SK Modified season title at Stafford Motor Speedway. He entered the Cup Series in 2015 and finally broke through with his first victory earlier in the season at the Cookout Clash in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina.
The celebration was also a personal milestone; Preece’s future wife, Heather Preece, watched from the stands as the crowd cheered, while longtime supporter Bryant Carpenter highlighted the significance of the hometown appearance at Tavern on the Trax, Connecticut.
Looking ahead to the playoffs
With the playoff field now set, Preece joins Joey Logano and other seasoned competitors as they prepare for the next stage of competition. The momentum from his Daytona win could prove decisive as the series heads into its most intense stretch.