DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Preece made headlines at the Daytona International Speedway as he clinched a dramatic victory during the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale. Known for his tumultuous experiences in previous races, including two violent crashes at Daytona in 2023 and 2025, Preece’s win on Saturday night was a defining moment in his career, paving the way for his team, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, to secure a spot in the upcoming playoffs.
In a nail-biting finish that extended into overtime, Preece took the lead during a green-white-checkered finish when the race leader, Zane Smith, was bumped and began to spin out, colliding with several other cars. Preece crossed the finish line under caution, edging out Shane van Gisbergen to claim the crucial 16th and final playoff spot.
“This is redemption,” Preece expressed, reflecting on his journey and the obstacles he faced throughout the season. His victory was significant not only for him but also for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, which now has two cars, including Chris Buescher’s, competing in the 16-driver Chase for the championship.
Preece’s excitement was palpable as he stated, “I’m just speechless right now. Those guys, that 60 (car), we’re fighters. When you put our back against the wall, we swing hard.” His words resonate with many fans who have followed his journey, particularly those who critiqued him in the past. “Last year, there were a lot of keyboard warriors saying I was nothing. Well, we just kicked their butts tonight,” he added, emphasizing the thrill of his win.
Preece approached the race with confidence but found himself in a tight spot as he needed a win to surpass van Gisbergen for the last playoff position. Unfortunately, van Gisbergen, who had performed well earlier in the season, finished 27th after making a late pit stop for new tires, which ultimately cost him the playoff berth.
Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric also secured their playoff positions during the event, with Wallace finishing seventh and Cindric placing sixth, ensuring their places in the 10-race Chase for the championship.
The race was notable for several other reasons, including Daniel Suarez finishing second and Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounding out the top five. Van Gisbergen won Stage 1, creating a cushion for himself, but Preece managed to recover from a three-car crash to place second in Stage 2, gathering essential points.
Ultimately, it was a thrilling conclusion to the regular season. “I’m a racer. I know what it takes to build speed,” Preece asserted. “So every man and woman at RFK, thank you for giving me a rocket ship so I could go to the moon tonight.”
In related news, Hollywood was also making headlines at Daytona. Tom Cruise announced plans for a follow-up to the iconic film “Days of Thunder,” set to hit theaters on June 2, 2028. Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, alongside co-star Anne Hathaway, who will play a team owner and engineer.
Additionally, seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson revealed his paint scheme for the 2027 Daytona 500, marking his final Cup Series start. Driving a familiar gray-and-blue No. 48, the design pays homage to the main sponsors throughout his illustrious career.
In the wake of the recent events, Riley Herbst was unable to participate due to “lingering effects” from a previous crash, with Harrison Burton stepping in to fill his role.
As the NASCAR season progresses, the anticipation builds for the 10-race Chase for the championship, set to commence at Darlington Raceway next Sunday.
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