Better late than never.
After two postponements during the last few days, the Cook Out Clash finally cranked the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season to life as its annual preseason exhibition Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Advertisement
Ryan Preece claimed the victory, leading 46 laps on the historic quarter-mile oval at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Only pole winner Kyle Larson, at 67, led more.
William Byron and Ryan Blaney placed second and third, respectively.
Despite being just 200 laps, the event lasted more than three hours, though two-plus were run under caution. A race-record 17 yellow flags flew for crashes, iffy weather and a combination of both. Only green-flag laps counted.
Let’s break it down.
1. Ryan Preece fired up after unofficial NASCAR Cup Series triumph
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 04: Ryan Preece, driver of the #60 Kroger/Coca-Cola Ford, reacts after winning the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Tears flowed for Preece after the Clash. The 35-year-old veteran has never won a points-paying race in 214 Cup Series starts. This one won’t go toward his official total, but it still felt meaningful.
Advertisement
“I don’t even know what to say,” Preece said on the Fox broadcast. “To be honest with you, it’s been a (freaking) long road. It’s the Clash, but man, it’s just been years and years of grinding. I’m just super thankful …
“Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. I’m just super, super, super emotional.”
After Stewart-Haas Racing announced its closure in 2024, Preece was left without a ride. He signed with RFK Racing before the 2025 season and now enters his second campaign in the No. 60 Ford.
He finished 18th in points last year, collecting three top-fives along the way.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, Preece grabbed the lead on Lap 156 and remained in front the rest of the night.
“I’m speechless, man,” he said. “That last two laps, I’m speechless.”
2. Weather doesn’t fully cooperate with NASCAR Clash
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 04: William Byron, driver of the #24 Valvoline Chevrolet, exits the garage area after a weather delay break in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Yes, the weather finally relented enough to run the Clash three days late. But it didn’t exactly provide ideal conditions.
The event entered a weather delay at the halfway point due to the dreaded “wintry mix” of precipitation. NASCAR declared it a wet-weather race and sent cars back to pit road so they could switch to grippier tires.
Once the proceedings resumed, drivers did not complete a full lap before a few cars lost traction, collided and induced another caution.
Advertisement
Temperatures hovered around 35 degrees.
3. When is the Daytona 500? It’s next!
The Clash served as an appetizer.
Later this month, the regular season ignites at its traditional starting point — Daytona International Speedway. The 68th Great American Race will get the green flag shortly after 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15.
Byron will look for his third straight Harley J. Earl trophy.
Before then, qualifying will take place Wednesday, with the Duels finalizing the starting lineup Thursday evening.
The Truck Series will begin its campaign Friday night. The ARCA and O’Reilly Auto Parts series will follow on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR Clash ends with Ryan Preece atop results in preseason race
