Ryan Preece Triumphs at Daytona, Secures Final NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Spot

POLICY WIRE — Daytona Beach, Fla. — Ryan Preece, notorious for his past crashes at Daytona International Speedway, had a triumphant night, clinching victory in the Cup Series regular-season finale. This win secured the final playoff spot for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.

Preece, who had previously flipped cars at Daytona in 2023 and 2025, surged to the lead during a green-white-checkered finish. Leader Zane Smith was bumped, spun, and collided with other cars on the last lap, allowing Preece to take the checkered flag under caution and edge out Shane van Gisbergen for the 16th and final playoff position.

“This is redemption,” Preece exclaimed, noting that his victory also placed two RFK cars in the 16-driver Chase for the championship. Chris Buescher is the other RFK driver in the playoffs.

Preece had expressed confidence throughout the week but needed a win to surpass Shane van Gisbergen for the last playoff spot. Van Gisbergen finished 27th after a pit stop during the final caution.

Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric also secured playoff spots. Wallace, nearly guaranteed a place in the 16-driver field at the start, finished seventh in the opening stage. Cindric, avoiding trouble all night, finished sixth.

Daniel Suarez came in second, followed by Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Van Gisbergen won Stage 1, but Preece rallied in Stage 2, finishing second behind Ryan Blaney.

Tom Cruise announced at Daytona that he will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in a sequel to Days of Thunder, scheduled for release on June 2, 2028. Anne Hathaway will co-star as a team owner and engineer.

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, unveiled his No. 48 Toyota paint scheme for his final Cup Series start in the 2027 Daytona 500. Johnson’s final race will be the 69th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 21, 2027.

Riley Herbst was unable to race due to lingering effects from a recent crash, with Harrison Burton replacing him and finishing 12th.

The 10-race Chase for the championship kicks off at Darlington Raceway next Sunday.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)