Ryan Preece wins Daytona to claim final NASCAR playoff spot

Ryan Preece secured the final spot in NASCAR's 16-driver playoff field with a dramatic overtime victory at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, August 29, 2026. The win, his first career Cup Series victory, came in the regular-season finale, the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and knocked Shane van Gisbergen out of postseason contention. Preece, driving the No. 60 Ford for RFK Racing, took the lead on the final lap of overtime when race leader Zane Smith was bumped and spun, triggering a multi-car crash. NASCAR issued a caution, freezing the field with Preece in front to take the checkered flag. The victory was a stark contrast to Preece's previous experiences at Daytona, where he was involved in violent crashes in 2023 and 2025. "This is redemption," Preece said. "I'm just speechless right now. Those guys, that 60 car, were fighters. When you put our back against the wall, we swing hard." The win was essential for Preece, who entered the race needing to overtake van Gisbergen for the 16th and final playoff position. Van Gisbergen, who had a 31-point lead over Preece before the race, finished 27th after pitting for four tires during the final caution.