Winners and losers from a sensational NASCAR Cup race at Daytona
While fuel-saving remained ever-present, the new rules package seemed to improve the racing product at Daytona International Speedway, as drivers were able to make moves all throughout the field and it never felt truly gridlocked. At the end of the day, it was Ryan Preece ending his 0-248 streak with a huge win at Daytona, one that vaulted him up into the Chase for the first time in his entire…
Ryan Preece made history at the Daytona 500, his first career points race win in NASCAR's Cup Series. This came after a series of falls and struggles in previous years, including at the same track. Despite being considered a long shot by many, Preece's victory opens up the possibility of him moving into the NASCAR Chase for the 2026 season.
The top six drivers in the pre-Chase points were considered the legitimate championship contenders: Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell. Preece's win was particularly significant for his crew chief, Derrick Finley, who first began working together in 2003 and had not secured a victory in nearly 280 starts.
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