League: NASCAR Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Ryan Preece qualifies for NASCAR Chase after winning Coke Zero Sugar 400

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 7:38 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Ryan Preece qualifies for NASCAR Chase after winning Coke Zero Sugar 400

Summary

Ryan Preece secured his first career NASCAR Cup Series win at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. The RFK Racing driver entered the event trailing Shane van Gisbergen by 31 points for the final spot in the 2026 Chase. Despite a difficult opening stage where he saw Shane van Gisbergen gain ground, Preece climbed through the field to secure the win. The victory propelled Preece into the playoffs, finishing 17 points ahead of Shane van Gisbergen in the standings. Denny Hamlin credited the performance as the best of Preece’s career, noting the inherent volatility of drafting on a superspeedway. Preece will enter the 16th position in the Chase standings.

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By the Numbers

•Ryan Preece earned his first career Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway.
•The victory overcame a 31-point deficit to claim the final playoff spot.
•Shane van Gisbergen finished 27th and missed the Chase cutoff by 17 points.
•Denny Hamlin enters the Chase as the points leader with a 25-point lead.
•Preece enters the upcoming Chase field in the 16th position.

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