SPORTS

Ryan Preece Wins at Daytona in Overtime to Clinch First Career Cup Victory and Final Playoff Spot

PUBLISHED Aug 30, 2026, 11:27 AM ET

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Ryan Preece won the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway in overtime on Saturday night, securing his first career Cup Series victory and the 16th and final playoff spot. Driving the No. 60 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Preece capitalized on a last-lap crash involving leader Zane Smith and Tyler Reddick to take the lead under caution [citation:1][citation:8]. The victory, confirmed after post-race inspection, edged out Shane van Gisbergen by 17 points for the final Chase berth [citation:10][citation:12]. The race featured a dramatic finish, with Smith spinning after a late block on Reddick, triggering a multi-car accident [citation:5]. Daniel Suárez finished second, followed by Tyler Reddick in third. Preece's win, his first in 249 Cup starts, places him and teammate Chris Buescher in the 16-driver postseason field, representing a significant achievement for RFK Racing [citation:12]. The event was extended into overtime after a caution on Lap 156 involving Carson Hocevar and Erik Jones [citation:8][citation:10].

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 29 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 begins at Daytona International Speedway.
On August 29 2026 Shane van Gisbergen wins Stage 1; Preece crashes but continues.
On August 29 2026 Ryan Blaney wins Stage 2; Preece finishes second for crucial points.
On August 29 2026 Lap 156: Carson Hocevar spins, collecting Erik Jones, forcing overtime.
On August 29 2026 Overtime restart: Zane Smith leads the field to green.
On August 29 2026 Final lap: Smith and Reddick make contact, triggering a wreck.
On August 29 2026 NASCAR throws caution; Ryan Preece is declared the race winner.
On August 30 2026 Post-race inspection confirms no infractions for Preece's No. 60 car.
On August 30 2026 Preece's victory makes him the 16th and final driver in the Chase.
On August 30 2026 Shane van Gisbergen is eliminated from playoff contention by 17 points.
On September 6 2026 Chase for the Championship begins with the Southern 500.
On November 8 2026 Cup Series Championship finale scheduled at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Provides a dramatic conclusion to NASCAR's regular season and Chase field.
Possible long-term US impact: Highlights RFK Racing's resurgence and the new Chase format's impact.
Most affected groups: NASCAR fans, RFK Racing team, and eliminated driver Shane van Gisbergen.
Reader priority: Focus on official race results, playoff standings, and post-race analysis.