Coke Zero Sugar 400 Victory
Ryan Preece secured his first NASCAR Cup win at the 2026 Cup Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona, finishing just ahead of Daniel Suarez when the race‑ending caution was thrown. Preece led only five laps in the 249th start of his Cup career.
Standings Implications
Preece’s triumph vaulted him into the final 16th spot in the Chase, passing Shane van Gisbergen. Van Gisbergen, who captured his first oval stage win, was later relegated to 28th place while Ryan Blaney crashed on the last lap, ending in 33rd.
Race Highlights
Austin Hill led the most laps of the event, a tally of 27, while 22 distinct drivers each claimed at least one lap lead. The contest extended six laps beyond the scheduled distance, finishing in overtime and punctuating a volatile, action‑packed race.
With a Cup trophy in hand, Preece can now point his focus toward a top‑eight finish in the remaining 2026 Cup season.
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