Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX - Ryan Preece Interview Following His Win At The Clash | VICTORY LAP

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

Ryan Preece joins Kevin Harvick for this week’s ‘Victory Lap’ interview following his emotional win at The Clash, breaking down what the victory means for his career and his team moving forward. Preece walks through how he navigated changing weather conditions, wet tires, and constant restarts to put himself in position to win, while also sharing the mindset that helped him stay patient and confident throughout the race. He opens up about the emotions of reaching Victory Lane, how this moment validates the work behind the scenes, and why this win feels different than any other in his journey. Preece also discusses how the victory changes expectations for the rest of the season and what it signals about his belief in himself and his team heading into Daytona and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I didn't know what to think. Everything just kind of went our way. Some people like to go out and party. I decided to drive to a racetrack and tinker on race cars. Well, Ryan Priest, congratulations, man. That was a wild night. But in the end, you came out on top. Just tell me what that night was like.

And everything that you went through, did you expect to be in that position when you got to the end of the night? Because it was, there were a lot of comers and goers as you would. Tell us about your evening as you led up to that win. Yeah, there was a lot that went on that entire week. You know, between not having heat races, basically changing the way we all go out for qualifying, to thinking that, man, I don't even know if I'm in a banking race. You know, because there's a lot that goes into how these cars get faster and faster,

especially on a quarter mile, when the more cars go out there. So for us, we were just trying to make a race. race. And when we did that, I felt like we had a pretty decent car. And, you know, we started 18th. And, you know, last year we kind of hit on something. And I felt like throughout that race, it, it showed up again. So we were able to drive up to 9th. But yeah, when it rained, the chaos and everything, I, I didn't know what to think, to be honest with you. I was not, I was not like what I saw Kyle Larson or he said, hey, let's just do this. I was thinking to myself, like, I don't want to destroy this car in 34 degree, you know, rain because it could be too cold.

And, yeah, everything just kind of went our way. It seemed like, you know, after the first 5, 10 laps and, you know, some holes open up and a few things happened that I needed to to gain some track position. Because if you're in the first three rows, you can kind of determine your own fate. if you're in the hornet's nests, all it takes is one bad hit and everything that you work for, you lose. So, yeah, I mean, ecstatic for sure. Well, you know, I think that the best thing that I saw

at the end of the night was just that that raw emotion from you and just how much it means, obviously I know you pretty well and know how much time and effort and work that you put into everything to get to this point. What, what, I mean, could, did you, could you ever imagine what that felt like climbing out of that car? And we saw the emotion hit you as you, as you climbed out of that car. What, did, is that what you expected it to feel like? Or did it, was it different than what you expected?

I've only felt that way three times in my life, to be honest with you. The first time was winning a modified race here at New Smyrna. The second time was winning, you know, a modified race. without my father there kind of, you know, on my own, so to speak. And there was that, that well, Iowa, and then there was that night. And to be honest with you, I felt those emotions when I crossed the line. You know, I was, I was ecstatic. But when Regan looked me in the eye, and I've known Regan for a long time,

and I could see it in his face, and it kind of just took that barrier or shield that put up and I just couldn't stop it. So, you know, everybody goes to these things where they work so hard for something. And when you finally accomplish it, I mean, I guess I, you know, if somebody asked me, hey, would you feel like there's a, there's been a weight lifted off your shoulders after you win your first cup race? I'd look out and say, no, it's just like winning any other race to me. But boy, I was wrong.

And, you know, last night when I was driving, all I thought about was, was, uh, Yeah, I mean, it's like, man, I just feel lighter right now. So what did you do after the race last night? I drove straight down to New Smyrna, Kevin. I know you did. Yeah, I got about 45 minutes of sleep. Some people like to go out and party and, you know, have a good time. I decided to drive to a racetrack and, yeah, tinker on race cars.

So what's it been like walking around the pit area today? for you. To be honestly, like when I was going to sign in, there was a lot of people, you know, I've been coming here since 2006. So I've known a lot of the, a lot of people that, you know, work the sign-in booths or the owners or just people around here. And they, you know, I could genuinely see how happy they were for me. So it's, it's been really cool because, you know, to me, it's kind of like yesterday. I was talking to Bert Myers and, you know, I can see the passion he has for racing and how he wants to do well and he wants to make that show. And yeah, you, you're one of those guys, you know, so they feel like they're, they're right there with you. Has your wife put soap

in your mouth yet for your, your, your potty mouth? No, no, but I did. There was a moment where Derek even said to me after the race when I stopped talking to head, well, you're talking about the interview, but I'm talking about in the car. Um, Heather's my biggest supporter, but my biggest critic. And there was a point where I stopped talking. And I said to Derek that, you know, hitting the radio button is a choice. And, yeah, I decided to stop hitting the bottom.

And all I could think about was, boy, I'm going to get an earful on my way home. So it was a good thing I won because I just, I got a lot of great things instead of the, instead of all the things that I said on the radio. What are you racing this weekend? I'm going to race the super late model that I didn't get to race a couple of month or a month or two ago. I'm going to race the NASCAR wheel and modified tour race on Saturday here at New Smyr.

And then also I'm going to race the tour type modified on Monday and Tuesday here at Samar. All right. Last question. After you went on on whatever night it was, Wednesday night at the clash, does that change the expectations for your team now as you move into this year? I feel like we've always had the expectations to do it. It's just you got to back it up. You need to do it.

So I feel like, you know, the racers in us. If anything, it gives you that little bit of, like for me anyways, I just, I don't know. You just feel beat down sometimes. And as a racer, this sport is like, it's just, it can give you the highest of highs and the lowest the lows. And that win came at a time that I really needed it. You know, I needed it for, for me as a person, but also me as a racer. And, you know, our team, I feel like they've been grinding to get their, the cars ready for Daytona. And to be honest, this race just kept getting pushed further and further and further. And there's only so many hours to get a car ready for Daytona, which is the biggest race of the year. So I feel. I feel. You know, feel like the look on their faces when we won that race, they could have went straight to the shop and wouldn't have left that place until the car loaded. So it just put that, you know, the desire that I have to win and that they have to win. And, you know, I feel like it lit a fire. So,

yeah, I think it raises the expectations, but I think it just really created a monster for all of us. Well, that's great. And I know how popular this win is in the garage. And I personally know how hard you have worked and the sacrifices that you have made. I can't tell you how proud I am of you and your accomplishments and hope that you go out and kick butt all year. So congratulations on winning last night. Have fun this weekend. And the work starts on Wednesday again. That's right. I appreciate it, Kevin. And you do know of all people. You've seen it all. So thank you. Well, you're welcome.