Ryan Preece Joins Elite Group of Drivers with Lengthy Road to First NASCAR Cup Series Victory

Daytona Beach, FL – Ryan Preece’s breakthrough victory at Daytona International Speedway, achieved in his 249th career NASCAR Cup Series start, places him among a select fraternity of drivers who endured significant waits before reaching Victory Lane at the sport’s premier level. This hard-earned triumph, achieved on the same weekend that Ryan Sieg secured his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win in a record 424 starts, highlights the varying paths to success within NASCAR’s different series.

Preece’s maiden Cup Series win came after a journey spanning over a decade since his series debut. While his 249 starts might seem substantial, it is only the fourth-longest wait for a first Cup Series victory in NASCAR history. For active drivers, Ty Dillon currently holds the unenviable record, having accumulated 307 starts without a win, a tally projected to reach 317 by the end of the 2026 season unless a late-career upset materializes. J.J. Yeley, who continues to compete on a part-time basis, has also amassed 399 Cup Series starts without a victory.

The list of drivers who have experienced lengthy waits for their first Cup Series win underscores the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in NASCAR’s top tier. These journeys, often marked by near misses and challenging seasons, culminate in moments of profound achievement.

A Look Back at the Longest Waits for a First Cup Series Win:

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• 10. James Hylton: Hylton’s breakthrough came in his 187th start. While not as lengthy as some on this list, it still represented a significant period of racing before tasting victory in the Cup Series. Hylton was a respected competitor known for his resilience throughout his career.

• 9. Daniel Suarez: The Mexican driver achieved his first Cup Series win in his 195th start. Suarez has been a consistent presence in the series, showcasing a steady progression towards his ultimate goal. His victory was a significant moment for international drivers in NASCAR.

• 8. AJ Allmendinger: Allmendinger, known for his versatility across various motorsport disciplines, finally broke through in his 213th Cup Series start. His journey included periods where he was not in a full-time Cup ride, making his eventual victory a testament to his determination and skill.

• 7. Buddy Baker: A legend of the sport, Baker’s first Cup Series win arrived in his 216th start. Baker, who earned the nickname "The Fast Baker," was a prominent figure in the 1960s and 70s, known for his speed and personality.

• 6. Johnny Benson Jr.: Benson Jr. reached Victory Lane for the first time in his 226th Cup Series start. A versatile racer who also competed in other series, Benson Jr.’s Cup win was a significant milestone in a career marked by diverse racing experiences.

• 5. Dave Marcis – 227 races (~7 years after Cup debut): Marcis, who debuted in the Cup Series in 1968, had to navigate over 200 races before securing his inaugural victory in 1975. His win came not at the famed Daytona, but at the challenging Martinsville Speedway short track. In a pivotal moment, Marcis took the lead from Benny Parsons with 40 laps remaining and held on to claim the victory by a narrow margin. Driving for Nord Krauskopf’s K&K Insurance Racing Team, Marcis went on to achieve five Cup Series wins in his extensive career, ultimately competing in 883 races, ranking him fourth on the all-time starts list.

• 4. Ryan Preece – 249 races (~11 years after Cup debut): Preece’s Cup Series debut occurred in 2015, and it took him more than eleven years to secure his first points-paying victory in 2026 at Daytona. The journey was not without its setbacks; Preece faced uncertainty about his NASCAR career after losing his full-time ride following the 2021 season. However, he persevered and fought his way back to the top echelon of the sport. Despite experiencing significant airborne crashes at Daytona in both 2023 and 2025, Preece has consistently shown an affinity for the historic superspeedway. His recent triumph came after a strong recovery from a spin in Stage 1, where he skillfully maneuvered his RFK Racing machine from the infield grass. In overtime, Preece seized the lead and maintained it through a late-race caution triggered by multiple crashes on the backstretch, holding off Daniel Suarez for the win. This victory also secured Preece his first-ever appearance in the Cup Series postseason.

• 3. Sterling Marlin – 279 races (~18 years after Cup debut): Many may not realize the extended period Marlin endured before his first Cup Series win, especially given his subsequent success. Marlin entered the Cup Series in 1976, initially competing part-time before establishing a consistent presence. It wasn’t until 1994 that he claimed his maiden Cup victory, remarkably in the prestigious Daytona 500. In that race, Marlin didn’t lead until lap 149 of 200, but he then commanded 30 laps in the final quarter of the race, narrowly defeating Ernie Irvan in his No. 4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports Chevrolet. He went on to defend his Daytona 500 title in 1995 and concluded his career with ten Cup Series wins, more than any other driver in this top five compilation.

• 2. Michael McDowell – 358 races (~13 years after Cup debut): McDowell’s Cup Series debut took place in 2008, but his first trip to Victory Lane didn’t occur until 2021. For much of his early career, he was primarily known for a severe rollover incident at Texas Motor Speedway during his rookie season, from which he miraculously emerged unharmed, a testament to the safety advancements of the Car of Tomorrow. His career even included periods of "start-and-park" to manage team resources. However, the 2021 Daytona 500 provided a dramatic shift in his narrative. On the final lap of NASCAR’s crown jewel event, a collision between the Penske teammates Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano unfolded directly ahead of McDowell. As Keselowski spun right and Logano veered left, McDowell expertly navigated the chaos, driving through the middle and taking the lead just as the race-ending caution was deployed. This propelled him to victory for Front Row Motorsports. McDowell continues to compete full-time and has since added a second career win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, further solidifying his place in NASCAR history.

• 1. Michael Waltrip – 463 races (~16 years after Cup debut): This record stands as one of the most enduring in NASCAR, tied to a race that remains etched in the sport’s memory. Michael Waltrip, younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip, made his Cup Series debut in 1985. His long-awaited first win finally arrived in 2001, during one of NASCAR’s most somber and impactful events. Joining Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the start of the 2001 season, Waltrip, supported by teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his boss, Dale Earnhardt Sr., ended his 463-race winless streak in the iconic Daytona 500. His older brother, calling the race from the broadcast booth, famously signaled him to the finish line. Tragically, Dale Earnhardt Sr. crashed from third position while defending the lead duo of Waltrip and Earnhardt Jr. This race, which profoundly reshaped NASCAR, marked a moment of extreme highs and devastating lows for Waltrip. He experienced the pinnacle of his racing career on a day that also saw the loss of a sport legend. Waltrip ultimately secured four Cup Series victories in his extensive career, a career defined by this singular, unforgettable race.

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