A dramatic finish at Daytona
On August 29, 2026, Ryan Preece, a Connecticut native driving the No. 60 Kroger/OIKOS Ford for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, won the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, securing the final spot in the 16‑driver playoff field.
The victory came in overtime after Zane Smith was bumped on the final lap, triggering a chain reaction of crashes. Preece managed to navigate the chaos, staying out of trouble and crossing the finish line first under caution, a moment he described as long‑awaited redemption.
Preece’s win was not his first triumph of the season; earlier he had captured the Cookout Clash in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina. That earlier success, combined with his extensive background in regional series, helped him build the momentum needed for the Daytona showdown.
Playoff implications and team dynamics
The result placed Preece alongside Joey Logano, a Middletown native, in the postseason. Both drivers represent Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, which now fields two cars in contention for the championship, adding a strategic edge for the team.
Preece’s triumph also pushed Shane van Gisbergen out of the playoff picture, underscoring the high stakes of the final race and the competitive nature of the series.
A career built on resilience
Beyond the 2026 win, Preece’s racing pedigree includes championships in Midgets and Modifieds, notably the 2011 SK Modified season at Stafford Motor Speedway. His future wife, Heather Preece, was the 2011 SK Modified Rookie of the Year at the same track, highlighting a shared racing legacy.
Having competed in the Cup Series since 2015, Preece now joins Chris Buescher as the series’ playoff representatives from his team, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by perseverance and incremental progress.