Best of the Rest: 2026 The Clash Edition

Best of the Rest is back for 2026, so no better way to kick off the season then beginning with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman-Gray Stadium, on what became a Wednesday night event. Considerably delayed by snowy weather in North Carolina, the event that was to be held Saturday night, eventually got postponed to mid-week.

The annual Clash, which is a non-points paying, pre-season event, is set to be the first time the engines roar to life for the 2026 season. While not an official race, the exhibition event always gives us a look at what is to come in 2026, including new driver, team, and number pairings.

*Note: Cup Series event only*

---

 

#60 Ryan Preece

Preece signed on with RFK Racing to drive their new #60 Ford in a full-time effort in 2025. Preece has what was no doubt a career year least season, and that momentum seems to have carried over into the new season. Starting his Ford in 18th, Preece quickly worked his way through the 23-car field, led the final 46 laps, and scored what can be considered his first career Cup Series win. Proving that Preece and the RFK team will be a force in 2026.

Preece, who debuted full-time Cup racing in 2019 with other teams (he also made 5 starts in 2015), has now amassed 223 starts with seven career top five finishes. Expect those numbers to jump in 2026 with the backing of RFK.

---

#7 Daniel Suarez

Suarez debuted with his new #7 Spire Motorsports team in 2026…and the pairing seems to be off to a good start early on. Having somewhat struggled with Trackhouse Racing the last few seasons, Suarez moved to Spire to drive their #7 Chevrolet in 2026 in hopes of rejuvenating his career.

While the move may seem like a downgrade of sorts in equipment to some, Suarez and Spire had a fast first outing together at The Clash. Starting 20th, Suarez also made his way through the short shootout-style field, and made his official debut in Spire equipment by finishing 4th. While this will be a building season for the first year teaming of driver and team, there may be a few surprise runs in store throughout 2026…also something to keep an eye on.

---

#97 Shane Van Gisbergen

While not with a new team (SVG’s team switched numbers from 88 to 97 in the off season), SVG officially debuted his #97 Trackhouse Chevrolet at the Clash. Showing considerable improvement on ovals in late 2025, the former V8 Supercar champ made a strong impression at Bowman-Gray.

Yes, the end result was not the best…the Trackhouse driver is officially listed as finishing 20th because of an accident, but it is the pre-accident performance that deserves keeping an eye on. Starting 17th, SVG made his way to the front of the pack by late race, and led 12 laps before ultimately losing the lead Preece on lap 155 of the 200-lap event. The “new” #97 Trackhouse team does not seem to have lost much of their late 2025 momentum.

---