(Video) Ryan Preece Breaks Down After First NASCAR Cup Win

Ryan Preece started the 2026 season off with a bang. Preece achieved his first-ever Cup Series victory in the first race of the new season. Following the victory, the #60 driver was overjoyed and shed tears of joy. After 214 race starts, the RFK Racing star finally picked up his first race win after fending off William Byron in the final laps.

Though Ryan Preece wouldn’t pick up points following his victory at the Cook Out Clash, he can still rest easy knowing that he finally achieved a massive feat in the pinnacle of stock racing. It is only a matter of time before Preece will fight for race wins that award him points. The #60 driver was holding back tears as he put forth his thoughts on winning his maiden race in the Cup Series.

Ryan Preece was at a loss for words and claimed that he did not know what to say. He accepted that his victory had been longcoming. Even though the victory was at the Clash, which did not award him points, it was still special for him. Further, Preece thanked his teammate, Brad Keselowski, who had faith in him and brought him into RFK, and other sponsors who believed in him to achieve the unthinkable in NASCAR.

I don’t even know what to say, To be honest with you, it’s been a f**king long road. It’s the Clash but man, it’s been years and years of grinding, and I’m just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Coca-Cola, all our partners — break open the Pappy — Jack Roush, the Fenway Group.

Ryan Preece said.

Ryan Preece recalled the moments of uncertainty that he had in his life a couple of years back following his falling out with Stewart-Haas Racing. Preece believed that he was going to go broke and lose his job at the pinnacle of stock racing. The #60 driver fully thought he would have to go back to his hometown in Connecticut and do something else in his life apart from racing. However, his victory at the Clash proved all the haters wrong and provided him with great motivation to perform well for the remainder of the season.

Two years ago, I didn’t think I was gonna have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I’m just super, super, super emotional.

Ryan Preece added.

You can tell how much this means to @RyanPreece_. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7Br25g97wv

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2026

Ryan Preece applauds RFK Racing for the ‘really good car’

RFK Racing showed up in style and helped Ryan Preece maximize performance on track. Preece overtook all drivers on track and fought against William Byron in the final couple of laps, which helped him bring home the victory. As such, the #60 driver applauded the team for their strong showing at the season-opener in Bowman Gray.

Ryan Preece revealed that the car was really good as he was fighting through adversity all day. Despite delays due to uncertain weather conditions, Preece was able to come from the back to the front and achieve the victory. The RFK Racing star acknowledged that a couple of restarts went his way, which contributed to his win. Moreover, he was speechless with the final two laps that sealed his victory.

We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting through adversity all day, this is as much a mental game as anything, and I felt beat up. We had a couple restarts go our way and before you know it, we were in the front two rows and then the claws just come out. … I’m speechless, man. That last two laps — I’m speechless.

Ryan Preece noted

The Daytona 500 is up next, and Ryan Preece will certainly hope to keep up with his winning streak. The Daytona circuit is one of the most iconic tracks in NASCAR, and winning there will mean something completely different for him. Preece will aim to keep up the winning momentum and finally have a realistic shot at the championship.

Read More: Kyle Larson Disputes Tony Stewart’s Daytona 500 Claim and Insists “It’s Still Prestigious”

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