Ryan Preece won the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, also known as The Clash at Bowman Gray.

Quick Scoop

  • Winner: Ryan Preece in the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford.
  • Event: 2026 Cook Out Clash / The Clash at Bowman Gray, NASCAR Cup Series preseason exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC.
  • Runner‑up: William Byron, with Ryan Blaney finishing third.
  • Race vibe: Wild “Madhouse” short‑track chaos with 17 cautions, weather delays, and a wet/dry race that went to sleet and ended on wet‑weather tires.

Why this win matters

  • It’s Preece’s first victory at the top Cup Series level, even though it’s a non‑points exhibition, giving him and RFK Racing big momentum heading into the Daytona 500.
  • The win also marks Roush’s first Clash victory since 1999, a notable milestone for the organization.

Short context vs. 2025

  • In the 2025 Bowman Gray Clash, Chase Elliott scored the win after starting from pole and holding off Ryan Blaney in a much calmer main event.
  • The 2026 edition swung the other way, with far more chaos, weather drama, and a grind‑it‑out win for Preece.

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