Ryan Preece claims first NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 3:46 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Ryan Preece secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 29, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway. Preece, who was fighting for a playoff spot, took the lead during the final laps after a series of crashes prompted a caution flag. The win grants him a place in the 2026 playoff field. Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric also qualified for the Chase, with Wallace finishing 20th and Cindric placing sixth. The playoff format will begin next week at Darlington Raceway.
- •Preece was 31 points behind the playoff cutline before the race.
- •He entered overtime in the lead after a late-race collision.
- •Bubba Wallace secured 14th place in the standings with minimal effort.
- •Austin Cindric finished sixth, securing his Chase position.
- •The championship Chase begins next week at Darlington Raceway.
- 3:46 AMYahoo Sports — Coke Zero Sugar 400 takeaways: Ryan Preece wins in insane Daytona race finish
"Ryan Preece claimed the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona for his first NASCAR Cup Series win and a 2026 playoff berth. Here are three takeaways.
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