Ryan Preece captured his first NASCAR Cup Series points‑paying victory at Daytona International Speedway, erasing a 31‑point deficit to Shane van Gisbergen and sealing a spot in the championship playoffs.
The Daytona Turnaround
The race was dramatically altered by a multicar incident involving Preece, Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick, which brought out a caution and allowed the field to shuffle, giving Preece the opportunity to move to the front and take the checkered flag.
The win marks a personal redemption for Preece, who had survived two violent crashes at Daytona in 2023 and 2025, moments that had cast doubt on his ability to finish the track safely.
Playoff Outlook
Shane van Gisbergen, who had led Stage 1 and was initially positioned for a strong finish, was relegated to 28th after the final accident and scored only 19 points, underscoring the volatility of the event.
With Austin Cindric taking the 15th seed and Bubba Wallace confirming his place in the title battle, the playoff picture is now set for a showdown at Darlington Raceway on September 6, 2026, where the season‑ending Southern 500 will decide the champion.
RFK Racing co‑owner Brad Keselowski praised Preece’s clutch performance under pressure, highlighting the team’s confidence in his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Preece’s maiden victory not only adds a new chapter to his career but also injects fresh momentum into RFK Racing and Trackhouse Racing as they head into the final stretch of the season.