Ryan Preece wins at Daytona to secure final NASCAR playoff spot

Ryan Preece secured his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory and the final playoff spot in the postseason Chase following a dramatic overtime finish at Daytona International Speedway. Driving for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Preece moved to the front during a green-white-checkered finish after a multi-car wreck involving leader Zane Smith. The victory allowed Preece to overcome a 31-point deficit to clinch the 16th and final berth in the championship field, edging out Shane van Gisbergen.

The race featured a debut superspeedway competition package designed to reduce fuel saving and emphasize driver control. The new configuration utilized a 4-inch spoiler instead of the previous 7-inch version and reduced horsepower to approximately 465. Drivers noted the package's unpredictability, with some expressing excitement over the technical unknowns.

Prior to the race, Brad Keselowski faced setbacks after his No. 6 Ford failed pre-race inspection twice. While the car eventually passed on its third attempt, NASCAR penalized the team by removing their pit selection and ejecting car chief Jonathan Ellis. Keselowski finished the regular season well below the playoff cutline.