Preece Wins OT Thriller at Daytona to Clinch Cup Playoff Bid

Ryan Preece earned his first Cup Series win in an overtime finish at Daytona, passing Zane Smith on the last lap after a late crash and securing the final spot in the 2026 Chase. The RFK driver’s victory came in his 249th Cup start and helped complete a 16-driver playoff field, with Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric also clinching spots. Daniel Suárez finished second, followed by Tyler Reddick, Michael McDowell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The race ended under caution after a multi-car wreck, with van Gisbergen narrowly missing the Chase as the field was set by points.