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.