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Ryan Preece Claims First NASCAR Victory Amid Tragedy

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ryan Preece won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at the Cook Out Clash, leading 46 laps and finishing nearly two seconds ahead of William Byron.
Preece's victory is important for RFK Racing, which recently experienced a tragedy.
Crew chief Derrick Finley attributed Preece's focus during the race to a pep talk.
The race had 17 cautions, but all 23 drivers finished.
Byron acknowledged the endurance needed to compete in wet conditions, while Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez, and Denny Hamlin completed the top five.

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Story summary

Ryan Preece won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at the Cook Out Clash, leading 46 laps and finishing nearly two seconds ahead of William Byron.
Preece's victory is important for RFK Racing, which recently experienced a tragedy.
Crew chief Derrick Finley attributed Preece's focus during the race to a pep talk.
The race had 17 cautions, but all 23 drivers finished.
Byron acknowledged the endurance needed to compete in wet conditions, while Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez, and Denny Hamlin completed the top five.