“Keyboard Warriors Said I Was Nothing” — Ryan Preece Silences Cup Series Doubters With Bold Chase Statement at Daytona

Ryan Preece is officially heading to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship after securing his first career victory at Daytona International Speedway. The RFK Racing driver entered the night facing a massive 31-point deficit, but against the odds, he found a way to get the job done when it mattered most.

Everything came down to an overtime restart, and this time, Preece managed to avoid the late-race mayhem and make the crucial moves. Reflecting on the emotional victory, Preece said, “I’m just speechless right now. But those guys, that 60 group, we’re fighters. And when you put our backs against the wall, we swing hard. Two years ago keyboard warriors saying I was nothing, but we just kicked their b**** tonight.”

As the field prepared for the final restart, the Team Penske Fords lined up behind Zane Smith, who controlled the lead heading into Turns 1 and 2. However, Preece made his move on the backstretch, forcing the No. 38 Ford toward the outside lane.

Smith attempted to protect both the inside and outside lanes, but he eventually lost control of his car, triggering a massive sequence of crashes. Smith made contact with Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 and slammed into the wall, setting off the big wreck behind him.

NASCAR quickly brought out the caution, and Preece managed to maintain his position at the front. With the field frozen under caution, the RFK Racing driver secured his maiden Cup Series victory and, more importantly, punched his ticket to the postseason Chase.

For Preece, the result was a throwback to NASCAR’s old “win and you’re in” mentality. He needed a victory to overcome the points deficit and guarantee his place in the Chase, and he delivered exactly when his team needed him.

“I’m a racer, I know what it takes to build speed. So every man and woman at RFK, thank you for giving me a rocket ship so I can go to the moon tonight,” Preece said.

The victory came at the expense of Shane van Gisbergen, who was eliminated from Chase contention after finishing 28th. SVG was forced to make a late pit stop for fuel, sacrificing valuable track position in the process.

Ironically, van Gisbergen had started the race strongly by winning Stage 1, while Preece was struggling after sliding onto the grass on the front stretch. But by the time the checkered flag fell, the situation had completely reversed: Preece was celebrating in Victory Lane and heading to the Chase, while SVG was left outside the postseason field.

“One night doesn’t sum up our year. I guess we haven’t been good enough. It’s been cool to be close, but yeah, shame we’re not in it. … I’m proud that I’ve been able to match my teammates on the ovals. I think I’ve stepped up this year, but you want to be in that Chase. Didn’t make it,” van Gisbergen said after the race.

With Preece claiming the final spot, the 16-driver field for the 2026 NASCAR Chase is now set:

• Denny Hamlin
• Ryan Blaney
• Tyler Reddick
• Ty Gibbs
• Chase Briscoe
• Christopher Bell
• Kyle Larson
• Chase Elliott
• Joey Logano
• Chris Buescher
• Daniel Suarez
• Carson Hocevar
• William Byron
• Bubba Wallace
• Austin Cindric
• Ryan Preece