WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Ryan Preece emerged victorious in the NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, marking a surprising start to the NASCAR Cup Series season. The race, delayed multiple times due to inclement weather, ultimately delivered a thrilling finish after a day of qualifying and a last-chance qualifier.
Kyle Larson initially set the pace, securing the pole position with a qualifying lap of in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. William Byron followed closely behind, earning the second starting spot with a time of in the No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet. The qualifying session saw Hendrick Motorsports dominate the front of the field, with Chase Elliott also securing a spot in the main event.
The road to the starting grid wasn’t straightforward. Qualifying occurred in groups following brief practice sessions in a condensed, one-day format. Twenty cars initially locked into the Clash field, with the remaining drivers battling it out in a last-chance qualifier to fill the remaining spots. Alex Bowman, despite not qualifying within the top 20, secured a provisional starting position based on his points standings.
The Qualifying Order
The full starting lineup for Wednesday’s race showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. Here’s a look at the top 15 qualifiers:
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
- Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
- Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
- Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
- Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Other notable drivers in the field included Ryan Blaney, Shane van Gisbergen, Ryan Preece, Connor Zilisch, and Daniel Suarez. The last-chance qualifier determined the final two starting positions, with the top two finishers earning their place in the main event.
Preece’s Unexpected Victory
While Larson initially appeared poised to dominate, the race unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. Preece, driving the No. 60 RFK Racing Ford, capitalized on opportunities throughout the event, ultimately crossing the finish line first. William Byron finished second, continuing a strong showing for Hendrick Motorsports, and Ryan Blaney rounded out the podium in third.
The victory marks a significant moment for Preece, who has consistently demonstrated potential but hadn’t yet secured a major win in the Cup Series. The win at Bowman Gray Stadium provides a strong foundation for his season and establishes him as a contender to watch.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Strong Showing
Hendrick Motorsports entered the Clash with high expectations, and the team largely delivered. Larson’s pole position and Byron’s second-place finish highlighted their speed and performance. Chase Elliott also secured a spot in the main event, demonstrating the depth of talent within the organization. Alex Bowman, despite qualifying , was guaranteed a starting position due to his points standings.
“Caught a bit off guard there, I was not expecting to get the pole,” Larson admitted after qualifying. “Thanks to everybody on our HendrickCars.com Chevy. Good to be back in a stock car here and see if One can take care of it here in the race. Glad to qualify well but a lot can go on and the increased horsepower I think is going to make things a bit more challenging for saving tires.”
Elliott, the event’s defending champion, entered the race with a target on his back, having led of laps last year to secure Hendrick Motorsports’ eighth Clash victory. While he didn’t repeat his success this year, his presence in the field underscored the team’s consistent competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The Cook Out Clash serves as an exciting prelude to the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The exhibition race provides a glimpse of the potential storylines and rivalries that will unfold throughout the year. Preece’s victory has undoubtedly shaken up the pre-season predictions, and the strong performance of Hendrick Motorsports suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with. As the series moves on to Daytona, teams will be analyzing data and making adjustments to prepare for the challenges ahead.
