Ryan Preece wins The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium

Postponed twice, The Clash finally took place Wednesday night at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Ryan Preece emerged victorious after leading the final 45 laps. The 35-year-old driver took the lead on lap 156, passing Shane van Gisbergen after a restart four laps earlier.

This edition of The Clash lived up to its name with a record 17 safety car periods. Preece ultimately emerged victorious at the wheel of the #60 RFK Racing Ford, finishing 1,752 seconds ahead of William Byron (Chevrolet). Starting 18th, Preece is the ninth different driver to win The Clash in a row, but he is the first to achieve this feat from a starting position outside the first two rows since the current format was introduced in 2022.

Preece was very moved by his victory.

« I don't even know what to say “,” Preece said, tears in his eyes, as he climbed out of his car to the cheers of brave fans who had braved the rain and freezing cold. Honestly, it's been a long road. It's The Clash, but man, I've been working like crazy for years and years… Two years ago, I thought I'd be out of work. I thought I'd be moving back to Connecticut. (where he is from. Editor's note). »

Ryan Blaney (Ford) completed the podium in this season-opening race, which was delayed twice due to snow. Daniel Suárez (Chevrolet) and Denny Hamlin (Toyota) finished fourth and fifth. Kyle Larson (Chevrolet), poleman and reigning champion, led the race for 67 laps, but the eruption of sleet and the change to rain tires caused him to drop in the standings, ultimately finishing in 16th place at the checkered flag.

As a reminder, The Clash does not award any championship points. See you on Sunday, February 15th for the legendary Daytona 500.

NASCAR – The Clash 
Race classification