In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Daytona 500, Ryan Preece demonstrated his commanding presence on the track during the concluding practice session. Driving for RFK Racing, Preece not only secured the fastest lap but also spearheaded a dominant display by Ford, which claimed all top five positions. This strong showing reinforces Preece's momentum, building on his recent triumph at The Clash, and sets a promising tone for the upcoming main race. The session itself was marked by strategic caution, with a significant number of teams choosing to hold back their primary vehicles to avoid any last-minute mishaps before the season's inaugural event.
Preece Dominates Final Daytona 500 Practice, Ford Sweeps Top Spots
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – On a bright and clear Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 60 Ford, solidified his status as a formidable contender for the Daytona 500. Just weeks after conquering the challenging, near-freezing conditions and record cautions at The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Preece seamlessly adapted to the sun-drenched Florida track, clocking an impressive 192.819 mph to lead the final practice session.
Preece's exceptional performance was a highlight for RFK Racing, as his teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski secured the second and third positions, respectively, completing a clean sweep for the team and Ford. The blue oval's dominance continued with Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano rounding out the top five. Keselowski also demonstrated remarkable consistency, achieving the best 10-consecutive lap average at 191.510 mph.
Notably, only 18 of the 41 registered cars participated in this final practice, with many elite teams, including those of pole sitter Kyle Busch and second-place starter Chase Briscoe, opting to preserve their machinery for the main event. Among the few other notable participants was seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, who, having announced his planned retirement after the 2027 Daytona 500, was the sole Toyota driver to hit the track, expressing optimism about his chances to win a third Daytona 500 title.
The schedule for Sunday's Daytona 500 has been adjusted, with NASCAR moving the green flag start time up by one hour to 2:13 p.m. Eastern, in anticipation of potential inclement weather. Preece's smooth run on Saturday offered a stark contrast to his past experiences at Daytona, including a terrifying tumble in the 2023 summer race that necessitated a hospital stay and led to track safety improvements. Despite these past setbacks, Preece, a seasoned racer who has ascended through the ranks from modifieds in the Northeast, remains focused on achieving his first points series victory at the Cup level, a goal he passionately articulated earlier in the week, hoping his family will be present to witness the momentous occasion.
The Road to Glory: Preece's Perseverance and the Spirit of Daytona
The journey of Ryan Preece to the cusp of Daytona 500 glory is a testament to unwavering perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport. His recent performances, particularly his dominant showing in the final practice, not only underscore his skill but also highlight the profound resilience required to compete at NASCAR's highest echelons. It's inspiring to see a driver, who has navigated the challenges of a career built from the ground up, now standing on the brink of what could be a defining victory. This narrative reminds us that success in sports often hinges not just on raw talent, but on the ability to overcome adversity and maintain a clear vision of one's goals. As the Daytona 500 approaches, Preece's story adds another layer of human drama to the spectacle, making us ponder the incredible dedication that fuels these athletes. His ambition to win, shared with his family, resonates deeply, connecting the personal drive of a competitor with the collective dreams of a team and its supporters, embodying the true spirit of racing.