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Statistical Advance: Analyzing The DAYTONA 500

Below is a statistical look at some of the top performers at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida going into the DAYTONA 500 on February 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

TOP 10 IN DAYTONA-SPECIFIC LOOP DATA STATISTICS

(Driver loop data stats in the below section are from 2005-Present)

Christopher Bell

(No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)

  • Three top fives, three top 10s
  • Average Finish of 17.700, ninth-best
  • Average Running Position of 16.894, ninth-best
  • Driver Rating of 80.4, seventh-best
  • 944 Laps in the Top 15 (51,4%), 17th-most

Ryan Blaney

(No. 12 Team Penske Ford)

  • One win, four top fives, seven top 10s
  • Average Finish of 19.707, 18th-best
  • Average Running Position of 15.763, fourth-best
  • Driver Rating of 83.4, fifth-best
  • 2,054 Laps in the Top 15 (59.1%), fifth-most

Kyle Busch

(No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet)

  • One win, nine top fives, 13 top 10s; one pole
  • Average Finish of 18.103, 11th-best
  • Average Running Position of 13.466, second-best
  • Driver Rating of 91.1, series-best
  • 4,655 Laps in the Top 15 (66.7%), series-most

Austin Cindric

(No. 2 Team Penske Ford)

  • One win, two top fives, two top 10s
  • Average Finish of 17.000, sixth-best
  • Average Running Position of 12.671, series-best
  • Driver Rating of 88.5, third-best
  • 901 Laps in the Top 15 (69.3%), 18th-most

Chase Elliott

(No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)

  • Three top fives, five top 10s; three poles
  • Average Finish of 21.333, 28th-best
  • Average Running Position of 16.684, seventh-best
  • Driver Rating of 79.6, eighth-best
  • 1,796 Laps in the Top 15 (54.9%), ninth-most

Denny Hamlin

(No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)

  • Three wins, 11 top fives, 12 top 10s
  • Average Finish of 17.632, eighth-best
  • Average Running Position of 15.311, fourth-best
  • Driver Rating of 87.0, fourth-best
  • 3,958 Laps in the Top 15 (58.0%), second-most

Brad Keselowski

(No. 6 RFK Racing Ford)

  • One win, four top fives, eight top 10s
  • Average Finish of 22.226, 30th-best
  • Average Running Position of 16.875, eighth-best
  • Driver Rating of 79.4, ninth-best
  • 3,088 Laps in the Top 15 (55.3%), fourth-most

Joey Logano

(No. 22 Team Penske Ford)

  • One win, eight top fives, 11 top 10s
  • Average Finish of 17.938, 10th-best
  • Average Running Position of 14.343, third-best
  • Driver Rating of 90.0, second-best
  • 3,629 Laps in the Top 15 (63.3%), third-most

Ricky Stenouse Jr.

(No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet)

  • Two wins, three top fives, four top 10s
  • Average Finish of 20.880, 23rd-best
  • Average Running Position of 17.705, 11th-best
  • Driver Rating of 77.1, 10th-best
  • 1,995 Laps in the Top 15 (44.2%), sixth-most

Bubba Wallace

(No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota)

  • Five top fives, six top 10s
  • Average Finish of 11.933, second-best
  • Average Running Position of 16.666, sixth-best
  • Driver Rating of 81.1, sixth-best
  • 1,369 Laps in the Top 15 (50.5%), 12th-most

Daytona International Speedway – Track / Event Data

Race #: 1 of 36 (February 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET)
Race Name: DAYTONA 500
Purse: $30,331,250
Track Size: 2.5 miles
Banking/Corners: 31 degrees
Banking/Straights: 3 degrees
Banking/Tri-Oval: 18 degrees

Total Race Length: 500 miles (200 laps)
Stage 1 Length: 162.5 miles (65 laps)
Stage 2 Length: 162.5 miles (65 laps, Ends on Lap 130)
Final Stage Length: 175 miles (70 laps, Ends on Lap 200)

DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Record

DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Record:

Bill Elliott, Ford Thunderbird, Melling Racing, Crew Chief: Ernie Elliott
(210.364 mph, 42.783 secs., 02-09-1987)

2024 Pole Winner:

Joey Logano, Ford Mustang, Team Penske, Crew Chief: Paul Wolfe
(181.947 mph, 49.465 secs., 02-14-2024)

2023 Pole Winner:

Alex Bowman, Chevrolet Camaro, Hendrick Motorsports, Crew Chief: Blake Harris
(181.686 mph, 49.536 secs., 02-15-2023)

DAYTONA 500 Race Record

DAYTONA 500 Race Record:

Buddy Baker, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Ranier Racing, Crew Chief: Waddell Wilson

(177.602 mph, 02:48:55, 02-17-1980)

2024 Race Winner:

William Byron, Chevrolet Camaro, Hendrick Motorsports, Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle

(157.178 mph, 03:10:52, 02-19-2024)

2023 Race Winner:

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet Camaro, JTG Daugherty Racing, Crew Chief: Mike Kelley

(145.283 mph, 03:38:53, 02-19-2023)

DAYTONA 500 – Additional Stats & Tidbits

  • This season marks the 67th running of the DAYTONA 500 (1959-2025).
  • Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile superspeedway that was built in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1959 by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.
  • Daytona International Speedway is widely known as the “World Center of Racing”.
  • Although the first DAYTONA 500 was held in 1959, it has been the season-opener only since 1982.
  • Daytona International Speedway held three races in its inaugural season in 1959 – a qualifying race, the DAYTONA 500 and a summer race.
  • Driver Bob Welborn won the first NASCAR Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway, a qualifying race for the DAYTONA 500 on February 20, 1959. Welborn was driving the No. 49 Chevrolet owned by W.J. Ridgeway.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Lee Petty won the inaugural DAYTONA 500 on February 22, 1959, in a photo finish.
  • The third event of 1959 was held on July 4 and was won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Fireball Roberts driving the No. 3 Pontiac for car owner Jim Stephens.

STARTS

  • A total of 578 drivers have competed in at least one DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • A total of 357 drivers have competed in more than one DAYTONA 500.
  • Driver Dave Marcis leads the NASCAR Cup Series all-time in DAYTONA 500 starts with 33 starts.
  • Top Five All-Time in DAYTONA 500 Starts: David Marcis (33), Richard Petty (32), Terry Labonte (32), Michael Waltrip (30) and Bill Elliott, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd (each have 29).
  • Jimmie Johnson leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in DAYTONA 500 starts with 21 appearances heading into this season.
  • Top Five Active in DAYTONA 500 Starts: Jimmie Johnson (21), Martin Truex Jr. (20), Denny Hamlin (19), Kyle Busch (19) and Joey Logano (16).
  • A total of 69 different drivers have made their first NASCAR Cup Series start in the DAYTONA 500.
  • The most first-time drivers making their series debut in the DAYTONA 500 is four drivers and it has occurred three times: 1968, 1976 and 1983.
  • The best starting position by driver making his/her NASCAR Cup Series debut in the DAYTONA 500 is second-place also known as the outside front row, by Terry Ryan in 1976 and NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart in 1999.
  • The best finish by a driver making his/her NASCAR Cup Series career debut in the DAYTONA 500 is a sixth-place finish by Terry Ryan in 1976. The next best was Riley Herbsts’ 10th-place finish in the 2023 DAYTONA 500.

Drivers that made their NASCAR Cup Series debut in the DAYTONA 500

  First-Time Drivers Date   First-Time Drivers Date   First-Time Drivers Date
1 Riley Herbst 2/19/2023 24 Scott Riggs 2/15/2004 47 Jerry Jolly 2/19/1978
2 Travis Pastrana 2/19/2023 25 Casey Mears 2/16/2003 48 Elliott Forbes-Robinson 2/20/1977
3 Noah Gragson 2/20/2022 26 Jason Leffler 2/18/2001 49 David Hobbs 2/15/1976
4 Todd Gilliland 2/20/2022 27 Scott Pruett 2/20/2000 50 Jimmy Means 2/15/1976
5 Anthony Alfredo 2/14/2021 28 Tony Stewart 2/14/1999 51 Terry Ryan 2/15/1976
6 Austin Cindric 2/14/2021 29 Johnny Benson 2/18/1996 52 Tighe Scott 2/15/1976
7 Chase Briscoe 2/14/2021 30 Davy Jones 2/19/1995 53 Bruce Jacobi 2/16/1975
8 Brennan Poole 2/17/2020 31 Steve Kinser 2/19/1995 54 Ferrel Harris 2/16/1975
9 Christopher Bell 2/17/2020 32 Robert Pressley 2/20/1994 55 Warren Tope 2/16/1975
10 Matt Tifft 2/17/2019 33 Al Unser Jr 2/14/1993 56 Dan Daughtry 2/17/1974
11 Tyler Reddick 2/17/2019 34 Robby Gordon 2/17/1991 57 Jackie Rogers 2/17/1974
12 William Byron 2/18/2018 35 Lee Raymond 2/19/1989 58 Joe Mihalic 2/17/1974
13 Daniel Suarez 2/26/2017 36 Kirk Bryant 2/16/1986 59 Earl Ross 2/18/1973
14 Matt Crafton 2/22/2015 37 Larry Pearson 2/16/1986 60 John Utsman 2/18/1973
15 Alex Bowman 2/23/2014 38 Doug Heveron 2/19/1984 61 Larry Dickson 2/20/1972
16 Michael Annett 2/23/2014 39 Clark Dwyer 2/20/1983 62 Bob Senneker 2/25/1968
17 Danica Patrick 2/27/2012 40 Dean Roper 2/20/1983 63 Charles Burnett 2/25/1968
18 Brian Keselowski 2/20/2011 41 Phil Parsons 2/20/1983 64 Dave Marcis 2/25/1968
19 Steve Wallace 2/20/2011 42 Ronnie Hopkins 2/20/1983 65 Stan Meserve 2/25/1968
20 Dario Franchitti 2/17/2008 43 Ronnie Sanders 2/15/1981 66 Jeff Hawkins 2/14/1965
21 Brent Sherman 2/19/2006 44 Gary Balough 2/18/1979 67 Billy Wade 2/18/1962
22 Brendan Gaughan 2/15/2004 45 Geoff Bodine 2/18/1979 68 Bob Said 2/22/1959
23 Kasey Kahne 2/15/2004 46 Claude Ballot-Lena 2/19/1978 69 Paul Bass 2/22/1959

Average Starting Position

  • Alex Bowman leads all drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series in average starting position in the DAYTONA 500 with a 5.625 in nine races.
  • Alex Bowman has started on the DAYTONA 500 front row a record six consecutive times (2018-2023).

Top 10 in Average Starting Position for the DAYTONA 500 (All-Time & Active)

Rank All-Time Drivers Avg Start Races Rank Active Drivers Avg Start Races
1 Alex Bowman 5.625 9 1 Alex Bowman 5.625 9
2 Dale Earnhardt Jr 5.667 18 2 Christopher Bell 8.600 5
3 Cotton Owens 5.750 4 3 Chase Elliott 9.444 9
4 Paul Goldsmith 6.857 7 4 Brian Keselowski 12.000 2
5 Bobby Isaac 7.300 10 5 Joey Logano 12.563 16
6 Davey Allison 7.714 7 6 Bubba Wallace 13.143 7
7 Pete Hamilton 7.750 4 7 Austin Cindric 14.000 4
8 Christopher Bell 8.600 5 8 Jimmie Johnson 14.476 21
9 Dale Earnhardt 8.609 23 9 William Byron 14.571 7
10 Joe Weatherly 9.200 5 10 Zane Smith 15.500 2

POLES

  • A total of 45 different NASCAR Cup Series drivers have won a pole for the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • A total of 11 drivers have won multiple DAYTONA 500 poles.
  • Bob Welborn won the first DAYTONA 500 pole on February 20, 1959 with a speed of 140.121 mph. Welborn was driving the No. 49 Chevrolet owned by W.J. Ridgeway.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famers Bill Elliott (1985-87, 2001), Cale Yarborough (1968, ’70, ’78, ’84) and Buddy Baker (1969, ’73, ’79, ’80) lead the NASCAR Cup Series in DAYTONA 500 poles with four each.
  • Nine of the 45 DAYTONA 500 pole winners are active this weekend, led by Alex Bowman (2018, 2021, 2023) with three DAYTONA 500 poles.
Rank DAYTONA 500 Active Pole Winners Poles Seasons
1 Alex Bowman 3 2023, 2021, 2018
2 Chase Elliott 2 2017, 2016
3 Jimmie Johnson 2 2008, 2002
4 Joey Logano 1 2024
5 Kyle Larson 1 2022
6 Ricky Stenhouse Jr 1 2020
7 William Byron 1 2019
8 Austin Dillon 1 2014
9 Martin Truex Jr 1 2009
  • Three active drivers have posted multiple DAYTONA 500 poles: Alex Bowman (three), Chase Elliott (two) and Jimmie Johnson (two).
  • Five drivers have won consecutive DAYTONA 500 poles – Fireball Roberts (1961-1963), Buddy Baker (1979-1980), Bill Elliott (1985, 1986, 1987), Ken Schrader (1988, 1989, 1990) and Chase Elliott (2016, 2017).
  • Chase Elliott became the youngest DAYTONA 500 pole winner at the age of 20 years, 2 months, and 17 days with his pole on February 14, 2016.
  • Oldest DAYTONA 500 pole winner: Mark Martin (02/06/2010 – 51 years, 0 months, 28 days).
  • A total of 29 different organizations have won a pole for the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Hendrick Motorsports has won 16 DAYTONA 500 poles, the series-most: Ken Schrader (1988, 1989, 1990), Jeff Gordon (1999, 2015), Jimmie Johnson (2002, 2008), Mark Martin (2010), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2011), Chase Elliott (2016, 2017), Alex Bowman (2018, 2021, 2023), William Byron (2019), Kyle Larson (2022).
  • Hendrick Motorsports has won a record five consecutive DAYTONA 500 poles – (2015-2019). Hendrick Motorsports has also won three consecutive DAYTONA 500 poles from 2021-2023.
  • The top five organizations in DAYTONA 500 poles all-time are Hendrick Motorsports (16), Richard Childress Racing (6), Ranier Racing (5), Yates Racing (5) and Wood Brothers Racing (4).
  • A total of eight active organizations have won a DAYTONA 500 pole at Daytona International Speedway.
Rank Active Organizations D500 Poles Seasons
1 Hendrick Motorsports 16 2023, ’22, ’21, ’19, ’18, ’17, ’16, ’15, ’11, ’10, ’08, ’02, ’99, ’90, ’89, ’88
2 Richard Childress Racing 6 2014, ’06, ’03, ’97, ’96, ’83
3 Wood Brothers Racing 4 1974, ’71, ’70, ’68
4 RFK Racing 2 2012, ’04
5 Team Penske 1 2024
6 JTG Daugherty Racing 1 2020
7 Stewart-Haas Racing 1 2013
8 Joe Gibbs Racing 1 1998
  • Seven different manufacturers have won the pole for the DAYTONA 500 (all-time), led by Chevrolet with 31 poles; followed by Ford (12), Pontiac (eight), Mercury (five), Dodge (four), Oldsmobile (three), Plymouth (two).
  • Chevrolet holds the record for winning the most consecutive DAYTONA 500 poles at 11 straight from 2013 – 2024.
  • Three drivers have won the DAYTONA 500 pole in multiple manufactures: Cale Yarborough (Mercury 2, Chevrolet 1, Oldmobile 1); Buddy Baker (Dodge 2, Oldmobile 2); Bill Elliott (Ford 3, Dodge 1).

WINS

  • A total of 43 different NASCAR Cup Series drivers have won the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Lee Petty won the inaugural DAYTONA 500 on February 22, 1959; he led 38 laps and won by two feet in an Oldsmobile.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in DAYTONA 500 victories with seven wins (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981).
  • Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in DAYTONA 500 wins with three (2016, 2019, 2020).
  • Eight of the 43 NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500 winners are active this weekend.
Rank Active Daytona 500 Winners Wins Seasons
1 Denny Hamlin 3 2020, 2019, 2016
2 Jimmie Johnson 2 2013, 2006
3 William Byron 1 2024
4 Ricky Stenhouse Jr 1 2023
5 Austin Cindric 1 2022
6 Michael McDowell 1 2021
7 Austin Dillon 1 2018
8 Joey Logano 1 2015
  • Team Penske’s Austin Cindric won the 2022 DAYTONA 500, becoming the first rookie of the year candidate to win the prestigious event.
  • Youngest DAYTONA 500 winner: Trevor Bayne (02/20/2011 – 20 years, 0 months, 1 days).
  • Oldest DAYTONA 500 winner: Bobby Allison (02/14/1988 – 50 years, 2 months, 11 days).
  • Nine drivers have posted their first career NASCAR Cup Series victory with a win in the DAYTONA 500 – Tiny Lund (1963), Mario Andretti (1967), Pete Hamilton (1970), Derrike Cope (1990), Sterling Marlin (1994), Michael Waltrip (2001), Trevor Bayne (2011), Michael McDowell (2021) and Ausitn Cindric (2022).
  • Three other drivers posted their career-first victory in (points-paying) qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway: Johnny Rutherford (1963), Bobby Isaac (1964) and Earl Balmer (1966).
  • McDowell’s 358 starts prior to his 2021 DAYTONA 500 win are the second-most in series history by a driver before their first win; behind Michael Waltrip with 463 starts before his first win in the 2001 DAYTONA 500.
  • Lee Petty, who won the inaugural DAYTONA 500, and Trevor Bayne, 2011 DAYTONA 500 champion, are the only two drivers to win the DAYTONA 500 in their first appearance.
  • Sterling Marlin is the only driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to record his first two victories in the DAYTONA 500 (1994, 1995).
  • A total of 12 drivers have won multiple DAYTONA 500s, led by Richard Petty with seven victories.
The 12 Drivers With Multiple DAYTONA 500 Wins
No. of Wins Drivers Seasons            
7 Richard Petty 1964 1966 1971 1973 1974 1979 1981
4 Cale Yarborough 1968 1977 1983 1984
3 Bobby Allison 1978 1982 1988
3 Dale Jarrett 1993 1996 2000
3 Jeff Gordon 1997 1999 2005
3 Denny Hamlin 2016 2019  2020
2 Bill Elliott 1985 1987
2 Sterling Marlin 1994 1995
2 Michael Waltrip 2001 2003
2 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2004 2014
2 Jimmie Johnson 2006 2013
2 Matt Kenseth 2009 2012
  • Denny Hamlin (2016, 2019, 2020) and Jimmie Johnson (2006, 2013) are the only two active drivers to win multiple DAYTONA 500 races.
  • Four different drivers have won back-to-back DAYTONA 500s – Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84), Sterling Marlin (1994-95) and Denny Hamlin (2019-20).
  • In total 24 different starting positions on the grid have led to victories in the DAYTONA 500.
  • The DAYTONA 500 has been won from the pole or first starting position a total of nine times by seven drivers; a winning percentage of 13.64%.
  • The most recent driver to win the DAYTONA 500 from the pole is NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett in 2000.
Season DAYTONA 500 Winners From The Pole
1962 Fireball Roberts
1966 Richard Petty
1968 Cale Yarborough
1980 Buddy Baker
1984 Cale Yarborough
1985 Bill Elliott
1987 Bill Elliott
1999 Jeff Gordon
2000 Dale Jarrett
  • NASCAR Hall of Famers Bill Elliott (1985, 1987) and Cale Yarborough (1968, 1984) are the only two drivers to accomplish the feat of winning the DAYTONA 500 from the pole more than once.
  • The pole position is the most proficient starting position in the DAYTONA 500 field, producing more winners (nine) than any other position (13.64%).
  • A total of 16 of the 66 DAYTONA 500s (24.24%) have been won from the front row – nine from the pole or first starting position and seven from the second-place starting position.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth won the DAYTONA 500 from the 39th starting position in 2009, the deepest a DAYTONA 500 race winner has started.

DAYTONA 500 Wins By Starting Positions

Starting Position Wins Win % Starting Position Wins Win %
1 9 13.64% 13 2 3.03%
2 7 10.61% 14 1 1.52%
3 3 4.55% 15 2 3.03%
4 7 10.61% 17 1 1.52%
5 3 4.55% 18 1 1.52%
6 2 3.03% 19 3 4.55%
7 5 7.58% 21 1 1.52%
8 3 4.55% 31 1 1.52%
9 5 7.58% 32 2 3.03%
10 1 1.52% 33 1 1.52%
11 1 1.52% 34 1 1.52%
12 3 4.55% 39 1 1.52%
Additional Starting Position Stats    
Wins From The Pole 9 13.64%
Wins From The Front Row 16 24.24%
Wins From The Top Five 29 43.94%
Wins From The Top 10 45 68.18%
Wins From The Top 15 54 81.82%
Wins From Outside The Top 20 7 10.61%
  • Five reigning NASCAR Cup Series champions have gone on to win the DAYTONA 500 the season after winning the championship: Lee Petty (1959), Richard Petty (1973), Cale Yarborough (1977), Jeff Gordon (1999) and Dale Jarrett (2000).
  • Five DAYTONA 500 winners have won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same season; Richard Petty pulled it off four times; most recent was Jimmie Johnson in 2013.
Drivers Seasons
Richard Petty 1964 1971 1974 1979
Jimmie Johnson 2006 2013
Lee Petty 1959
Cale Yarborough 1977
Jeff Gordon 1997
  • A driver has swept both the DAYTONA 500 and the Summer Daytona race only five times at Daytona International Speedway: Jimmie Johnson (2013), Bobby Allison (1982), LeeRoy Yarborough (1969), Cale Yarborough (1968) and Fireball Roberts (1962).
  • Two drivers have won the DAYTONA 500 pole, won the Duel race they were entered in, and then went on to win the DAYTONA 500 in the same week – Cale Yarborough (1984) and Bill Elliott (1985).
  • Five drivers have won the Clash and the DAYTONA 500 in the same season: Bobby Allison (1982), Bill Elliott (1987), Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000), Jeff Gordon (1997), Denny Hamlin (2016)
  • A total of 19 different drivers have won both the DAYTONA 500 and Coca-Cola 600:
Race Winners DAYTONA 500s Coca-Cola 600s
Richard Petty 7 2
Bobby Allison 3 3
Dale Jarrett 3 1
Jeff Gordon 3 3
Denny Hamlin 3 1
Jimmie Johnson 2 4
Matt Kenseth 2 1
Darrell Waltrip 1 5
Austin Dillon 1 1
Benny Parsons 1 1
Buddy Baker 1 3
Dale Earnhardt 1 3
Davey Allison 1 1
David Pearson 1 3
Fred Lorenzen 1 2
Kevin Harvick 1 2
Kurt Busch 1 1
LeeRoy Yarbrough 1 1
Marvin Panch 1 1
  • Eight different drivers have won both the DAYTONA 500 and Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis:
Winners DAYTONA 500s Brickyard 400s
Jeff Gordon 3 5
Dale Jarrett 3 2
Jimmie Johnson 2 4
Bill Elliott 2 1
Kevin Harvick 1 2
Dale Earnhardt 1 1
Jamie McMurray 1 1
Ryan Newman 1 1
  • Fifteen different drivers have won both the DAYTONA 500 and the Southern 500:
Race Winners Daytona 500s Southern 500s
Richard Petty 7 1
Cale Yarborough 4 5
Bobby Allison 3 4
Jeff Gordon 3 6
Denny Hamlin 3 3
Bill Elliott 2 3
Jimmie Johnson 2 2
Matt Kenseth 2 1
Buddy Baker 1 1
Dale Earnhardt 1 3
Darrell Waltrip 1 1
David Pearson 1 3
Fireball Roberts 1 2
LeeRoy Yarbrough 1 1
Ward Burton 1 1
  • A total of 30 different car numbers have won the DAYTONA 500; below are the 10 car numbers that have produced three or more DAYTONA 500 victories:

Car Number – Drivers – (Years)

    • No. 43 – (seven) Richard Petty (1964, ’66, ’71, ’73, ’74, ’79, ‘81)
    • No. 21 – (five) Tiny Lund (1963), Cale Yarborough (1968), A.J. Foyt (1972), David Pearson (1976) and Trevor Bayne (2011)
    • No. 28 –  (five) Fred Lorenzen (1965), Buddy Baker (1980), Cale Yarborough (1983 and 1984) and Davey Allison (1992)
    • No. 11 – (five) Mario Andretti (1967), Cale Yarborough (1977), Denny Hamlin (2016, 2019, 2020)
    • No. 88 – (four) Bobby Allison (1982), Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2014)
    • No. 24 – (four) Jeff Gordon (1997, 1999 and 2005), William Byron (2024)
    • No. 4 – (three) Ernie Irvan (1991), Sterling Marlin (1994 and 1995)
    • No. 15 – (three) Bobby Allison (1978), Michael Waltrip (2001 and 2003)
    • No. 17 – (three) Darrell Waltrip (1989), Matt Kenseth (2009 and 2012)
  • 22 – (three) Fireball Roberts (1962), Ward Burton (2002), Joey Logano (2015)
  • The driver with the all-time most DAYTONA 500 starts without a victory is Dave Marcis with 33 races; Martin Truex Jr. (20) leads all active drivers with the most DAYTONA 500 starts without a win; followed by Kyle Busch with 19.
  • In total 27 different organizations have won the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Petty Enterprises and Hendrick Motorsports are tied for the NASCAR Cup Series lead in DAYTONA 500 wins with nine each.
Rank Organizations Daytona 500 Wins Seasons
1 Petty Enterprises 9 1981, ’79, ’74, ’73, ’71, ’70, ’66, ’64, ’59
2 Hendrick Motorsports 9 2024, ‘14, ’13, ’06, ’05, ’99, ’97, ’89, ’86
3 Wood Brothers Racing 5 2011, ’76, ’72, ’68, ’63
4 Joe Gibbs Racing 4 2020, ’19, ’16, 93
5 Team Penske 3 2022, ’15, ’08
6 Richard Childress Racing 3 2018, ’07, ’98
7 Dale Earnhardt Inc. 3 2004, ’03, ’01
8 Robert Yates Racing 3 2000, ’96, ’92
9 Morgan-McClure Motorsports 3 1995, ’94, ’91
10 Ranier Racing 3 1984, ’83, ’80
11 RFK Racing 2 2012, ’09
12 Melling Racing 2 1987, ’85
13 Junior Johnson & Associates 2 1977, ’69
14 Holman Moody 2 1967, ’65
15 JTG Daugherty Racing 1 2023
16 Front Row Motorsports 1 2021
17 Stewart-Haas Racing 1 2017
18 Chip Ganassi Racing 1 2010
19 Bill Davis Racing 1 2002
20 Whitcomb Racing 1 1990
21 Stavola Brothers Racing 1 1988
22 DiGard Racing 1 1982
23 Bud Moore Engineering 1 1978
24 L.G. DeWitt 1 1975
25 Jim Stephens 1 1962
26 John Masoni 1 1960
27 Smokey Yunick 1 1961
  • Nine different manufacturers have won the DAYTONA 500, led by Chevrolet with 26 victories; followed by Ford (17), Dodge (four), Plymouth (four), Buick (three), Mercury (three), Oldsmobile (three), Pontiac (three) and Toyota (three).
  • Drivers who have won the DAYTONA 500 in more than one car manufacturer:

Driver – Manufacturer (Number of wins in that manufacturer)

    • Richard Petty – Plymouth (3), Dodge (2), Oldsmobile (1) and Buick (1)
    • Cale Yarborough – Chevrolet (2), Mercury (1) and Pontiac (1)
    • Bobby Allison – Buick (2) and Ford (1)
    • Dale Jarrett – Ford (2) and Chevrolet (1)
  • The most consecutive DAYTONA 500 wins by a manufacturer in the NASCAR Cup Series is five straight by Chevrolet from 2003-2007.

ADDITIONAL FINISHING POSITIONS

Runner-Up Finishes:

  • A total of 43 different drivers have finished runner-up in the DAYTONA 500, and 13 drivers have finished runner-up multiple times in the Great American Race.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt leads the series in DAYTONA 500 runner-up finishes with five second-place finishes (1984, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999).
  • Top five in runner-up finishes in the DAYTONA 500 (all-time): Dale Earnhardt (five), Cale Yarborough (four), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (four), Bobby Allison (three), Kurt Busch (three), Terry Labonte (three).
  • In  total eight active drivers have finished runner-up in the DAYTONA 500. Bubba Wallace (2018, 2022), and Ryan Blaney (2017, 2020) lead all active drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series in runner-up finishes in the DAYTONA 500 with two each.
  • A total of 10 different manufacturers have finished runner-up in the DAYTONA 500, led by Chevrolet with 21 second-place finishes; Ford has the second-most with 19 and Toyota has the fifth-most with four.

Top-Five Finishes:

  • In total 122 different drivers have posted at least one top-five finish in the DAYTONA 500, and 70 drivers have finished in the top-five multiple times.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt leads the series in DAYTONA 500 top-five finishes with 12 in 23 starts.
  • Top five in top-five finishes in the DAYTONA 500 (all-time): Dale Earnhardt (12), Richard Petty (11), Cale Yarborough (10), Bill Elliott (9), Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, Buddy Baker, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick (each have eight).
  • Denny Hamlin lead all active drivers in DAYTONA 500 top-five finishes with eight; followed by Jimmie Johnson with seven and Joey Logano with four.
  • A total of 10 different manufacturers have finished in the top-five in the DAYTONA 500, led by Chevrolet with 107 top-five finishes; Ford has the second-most with 99 and Toyota has the fifth-most with 22.

Top-10 Finishes:

  • In total 199 different drivers have posted at least one top-10 finish in the DAYTONA 500, and 124 drivers have finished in the top-10 in the DAYTONA 500 multiple times.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty lead the series in top-10 finishes in the DAYTONA 500 with 16 top 10s each.
  • Top five in top-10 finishes in the DAYTONA 500 (all-time): Dale Earnhardt (16), Richard Petty (16), Cale Yarborough (14), Bill Elliott (14), Buddy Baker (12), Mark Martin (12), Terry Labonte (12).
  • Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson lead all active drivers in DAYTONA 500 top-10 finishes with eight each.
  • A total of 11 different manufacturers have finished in the top-10 in the DAYTONA 500, led by Chevrolet with 221 top-10 finishes; Ford has the second-most with 196 and Toyota has the sixth-most with 33.

Average Finish:

  • Lee Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in average finishing positon with a 2.5 in two DAYTONA 500 appearances.
  • John H. Nemechek has the best average finish among active drivers with more than one start (9.0); he has made two appearances in the DAYTONA 500.
Rank All-Time Drivers Avg Finish Races Rank Active Drivers Avg Finish Races
1 Lee Petty 2.500 2 1 John H. Nemechek 9.000 2
2 Fred Lorenzen 6.889 9 2 Zane Smith 13.000 2
3 John H. Nemechek 9.000 2 3 Denny Hamlin 13.895 19
4 Richard Brickhouse 9.000 2 4 Bubba Wallace 14.143 7
5 Ned Jarrett 9.143 7 5 Joey Logano 14.938 16
6 Darel Dieringer 9.429 7 6 Austin Cindric 15.250 4
7 Andy Hampton 9.500 2 7 Christopher Bell 15.400 5
8 Jody Ridley 9.667 6 8 AJ Allmendinger 15.636 13
9 Vic Elford 10.500 2 9 Corey Lajoie 16.625 8
10 Dale Earnhardt 11.000 23 10 Chase Briscoe 16.750 4

FEMALE COMPETITORS

  • Danica Patrick on Sunday, February 19, 2013 became the first female in NASCAR Cup Series history to win a pole for the DAYTONA 500 posting a speed of 196.434 mph – to this day the only pole in the series by a female competitor.
  • Janet Guthrie previously held the record for top starting position by a female NASCAR premier series driver, starting ninth twice in 1977 – at Talladega Superspeedway on Aug. 7, 1977 and at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 28, 1977.
  • In 2012, Danica Patrick became the third female driver to compete in a DAYTONA 500 joining Janet Guthrie and Shawna Robinson. Below are the previous female driver performances in the DAYTONA 500.
Race Season Driver Start Finish
DAYTONA 500 1977 Janet Guthrie 39 12
DAYTONA 500 1980 Janet Guthrie 18 11
DAYTONA 500 2002 Shawna Robinson 36 24
DAYTONA 500 2012 Danica Patrick 29 38
DAYTONA 500 2013 Danica Patrick 1 8
DAYTONA 500 2014 Danica Patrick 27 40
DAYTONA 500 2015 Danica Patrick 20 21
DAYTONA 500 2016 Danica Patrick 16 35
DAYTONA 500 2017 Danica Patrick 12 33
DAYTONA 500 2018 Danica Patrick 28 35
  • In 2013, Danica Patrick became the first female driver in a DAYTONA 500 to lead laps. She led five laps in the 2013 DAYTONA 500 and two laps in the 2014 DAYTONA 500 for a career total of seven laps led in the event.
  • Danica Patrick also holds the record for most DAYTONA 500 starts for a female competitor with seven and best finish by a female competitor in the prestigious event, with her eighth-place result in 2013.

LAP LEADERS

  • In total 178 different NASCAR Cup Series drivers have led at least one lap in the DAYTONA 500.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty leads the NASCAR Cup Series in laps led in the DAYTONA 500 with 780 laps led in 32 starts – 16.0% of his total laps run in the DAYTONA 500 (4,860).
  • Dale Earnhardt has led the second-most laps in the DAYTONA 500 with 686 in 23 starts (16.4% of his laps completed).
  • Denny Hamlin leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in laps led in the DAYTONA 500 with 490 laps led in 19 starts – and he is ranked fifth on the all-time lap leaders list of the race.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty has led the most laps in a single DAYTONA 500; leading 184 laps in the 1964 DAYTONA 500 and won the event. Petty started from the outside front row (second position).
  • Among active drivers, Ryan Blaney has led the most laps in a single DAYTONA 500, when he led 118 laps in the 2018 DAYTONA 500 and finished seventh. Blaney started from the third position.
  • Michael McDowell (2021), Kurt Busch (2017) and Austin Dillon (2018) have led the fewest laps in the DAYTONA 500 and won – all three led just the final lap on their way to winning the prestigious event.

Top 10 Lap Leaders in the DAYTONA 500 (All-Time & Active)

Rank All-Time Drivers Races Laps Led Laps Completed % Led
1 Richard Petty 32 780 4,860 16%
2 Dale Earnhardt 23 686 4,179 16%
3 Buddy Baker 28 643 3,758 17%
4 Cale Yarborough 26 553 3,697 15%
5 Denny Hamlin 19 490 3,673 13%
6 Bobby Allison 25 433 3,774 11%
7 Jeff Gordon 23 392 4,105 10%
8 Fireball Roberts 6 365 689 53%
9 Bill Elliott 32 347 5,392 6%
10 Kyle Busch 19 342 3,550 10%

 

Rank Active Drivers Races Laps Led Laps Completed % Led
1 Denny Hamlin 19 490 3,673 13%
2 Kyle Busch 19 342 3,550 10%
3 Ryan Blaney 10 186 1,800 10%
4 Brad Keselowski 16 180 2,724 7%
5 Joey Logano 16 158 3,112 5%
6 Jimmie Johnson 21 151 3,593 4%
7 Chase Elliott 9 85 1,589 5%
8 Ricky Stenhouse Jr 13 77 2,544 3%
9 Christopher Bell 5 74 968 8%
10 Martin Truex Jr 20 74 3,772 2%

TRACK / EVENT STATS

  • Denny Hamlin’s 0.010-second margin of victory over Martin Truex Jr. in the 2016 DAYTONA 500 is the closest DAYTONA 500 finish.
  • Kevin Harvick’s 0.020-second margin of victory over Mark Martin in the 2007 DAYTONA 500 is the second closest in DAYTONA 500 history.
  • Austin Cindric’s 0.036-second margin of victory over Bubba Wallace in the 2022 DAYTONA 500 is the third closest DAYTONA 500 history.

Top Five Closest Margins of Victory in the DAYTONA 500:

Margin of Victory Winner Runner-Up Date
0.010 Denny Hamlin Martin Truex Jr Sunday, February 21, 2016
0.020 Kevin Harvick Mark Martin Sunday, February 18, 2007
0.036 Austin Cindric Bubba Wallace Sunday, February 20, 2022
0.092 Ryan Newman Kurt Busch Sunday, February 17, 2008
0.118 Trevor Bayne Carl Edwards Sunday, February 20, 2011
  • The 2011 DAYTONA 500 had the most all-time lead changes with 74; which is 14 more than the race with the second-most lead changes – the 1974 DAYTONA 500 with 60 lead changes.
  • The 1964 DAYTONA 500 won by Richard Petty had the fewest lead changes with a mere six. Petty led 184 of the 200 scheduled laps in 1964 – the most ever in a single DAYONA 500.
  • 2011 DAYTONA 500 had the most all-time leaders with 22 – due to the rules package a ‘tandem-style drafting’ was used by the drivers, which led to the record number of leaders.
  • 2011 DAYTONA 500 had the most all-time cautions with 16; last season’s DAYTONA 500 had eight cautions.
  • 1968 and 2011 DAYTONA 500s had the most all-time Caution Laps with 60 laps each. Last season’s DAYTONA 500 had 20 caution laps.
  • The DAYTONA 500 has finished under NASCAR Overtime conditions 12 times:
Date Race Winner Runner-Up Scheduled Actual Overtime
Sunday, February 19, 2023 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Joey Logano 200 212 12
Sunday, February 20, 2022 Austin Cindric Bubba Wallace 200 201 1
Monday, February 17, 2020 Denny Hamlin Ryan Blaney 200 209 9
Sunday, February 17, 2019 Denny Hamlin Kyle Busch 200 207 7
Sunday, February 18, 2018 Austin Dillon Bubba Wallace 200 207 7
Sunday, February 22, 2015 Joey Logano Kevin Harvick 200 203 3
Monday, February 27, 2012 Matt Kenseth Dale Earnhardt Jr 200 202 2
Sunday, February 20, 2011 Trevor Bayne Carl Edwards 200 208 8
Sunday, February 14, 2010 Jamie McMurray Dale Earnhardt Jr 200 208 8
Sunday, February 18, 2007 Kevin Harvick Mark Martin 200 202 2
Sunday, February 19, 2006 Jimmie Johnson Casey Mears 200 203 3
Sunday, February 20, 2005 Jeff Gordon Kurt Busch 200 203 3
  • Top three longest DAYTONA 500 races due to Overtime:
    • o The longest was the 2023 DAYTONA 500 with 212 laps (530 miles) – 12 laps and 30 miles more than the scheduled distance.
    • o Tthe second longest is the 2020 DAYTONA 500 with 209 laps (522.5 miles) – nine laps and 22.5 miles more than the scheduled distance.
    • o The third longest was the 2010 and 2011 DAYTONA 500 races – both went 208 laps/520 miles.
  • The largest field to compete in the DAYTONA 500 was 68 cars in the 1960 race. This season 41 cars are eligible to compete for the win.

ADDITIONAL DAYONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY INFO

  • Groundbreaking for Daytona International Speedway was Nov. 25, 1957. The soil underneath the banked corners was dug from the infield of the track and the hole filled with water. It is now known as Lake Lloyd.
  • Richard Petty won his 200th career race on July 4, 1984 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Lights were installed in the spring of 1998. However, the July race was delayed until October that year due to thick smoke from wildfires. The second DAYTONA race has been scheduled for under the lights ever since.
  • The track underwent a repave in 2010.
  • 2016 marked the next phase in the existence of Daytona International Speedway as the DAYTONA Rising project was completed, ushering in the first ‘motorsports stadium,’ a 400-million-dollar project.
  • There have been 155 NASCAR Cup Series races since the track hosted its first race in 1959: 66 have been 500 miles, 62 were 400 miles and four 250 miles. There were also 23 qualifier races that were point races.
  • Fireball Roberts won the inaugural pole at Daytona for the 1959 DAYTONA 500 Qualifier Race in a Pontiac with a speed of 140.581 mph.
  • Bob Welborn won the first race at Daytona, the 100-mile DAYTONA 500 Qualifier Race on February 20, 1959.
  • Fireball Roberts won the first 250-mile race at Daytona International Speedway, the Firecracker 250 on July 4, 1959
  • Fireball Roberts also won the first 400-mile race at Daytona International Speedway, the Firecracker 400 on July 4, 1963.
  • A total of 66 different drivers have posted poles at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • Cale Yarborough leads all drivers with 12 poles in 52 Daytona International Speedway starts – (D500 = 4; Summer Race = 8).
  • Chase Elliott (2016, 2017, 2018) and Alex Bowman (2018, 2021, 2023) lead all active drivers with three NASCAR Cup Series poles at Daytona International Speedway each.

First Time Pole Winners & Race Winners at Daytona International Speedway

First Time Pole Winners Season First Time Race Winners Season
William Byron 2019 Harrison Burton 2024
Chase Elliott 2016 Austin Cindric 2022
Austin Dillon 2014 Michael McDowell 2021
Danica Patrick 2013 William Byron 2020
Paul Menard 2008 Justin Haley 2019
Greg Biffle 2004 Erik Jones 2018
Jimmie Johnson 2002 Aric Almirola 2014
Kevin Harvick 2002 David Ragan 2011
Mike Skinner 1997 Trevor Bayne 2011
Dale Jarrett 1995 Greg Biffle 2003
Loy Allen Jr 1994 Michael Waltrip 2001
Sterling Marlin 1991 John Andretti 1997
Greg Sacks 1990 Jimmy Spencer 1994
Geoff Bodine 1982 Sterling Marlin 1994
Ramo Stott 1976 Derrike Cope 1990
Charlie Glotzbach 1968 Greg Sacks 1985
Darel Dieringer 1964 Pete Hamilton 1970
Mario Andretti 1967
Earl Balmer 1966
Sam McQuagg 1966
A.J. Foyt 1964
Bobby Isaac 1964
Johnny Rutherford 1963
Tiny Lund 1963
  • In total 17 different drivers have scored their first NASCAR Cup Series career pole at Daytona International Speedway.
  • A total of three active drivers have won their first career pole at Daytona – Chase Elliott (2016), Austin Dillon (2014), and William Byron (2019).
  • 26 full-length points-paying races at Daytona have been won from the pole or first starting position; most recent Dale Earnhardt Jr. (July, 2015).
  • A total of 71 different drivers have won at Daytona International Speedway.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty with 10 points-paying victories at Daytona, leads the series.
  • Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson lead all active drivers in Daytona wins with three each.
  • A total of 24 different drivers scored their first win in the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway. The most recent was Wood Brothers Racing’s Harrison Burton in the 2024 race.
  • Wood Brothers Racing and Hendrick Motorsports are tied for the most wins by an organization at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series with 16 each.

NASCAR IN FLORIDA

  • There have been 369 NASCAR national series points-paying races among 11 tracks held in the state of Florida.
NASCAR Tracks in Florida
Track Name City Cup Xfinity Truck Combined First Year
Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach 155 66 25 246 1959
DAYTONA Road Course Daytona Beach 2 2 2 6 2020
Homestead-Miami Speedway Homestead 26 31 28 85 1999
Daytona Beach & Road Course Daytona Beach 10 0 0 10 1949
Five Flags Speedway Pensacola 1 0 0 1 1953
Golden Gate Speedway Tampa 1 0 0 1 1963
Palm Beach Speedway W. Palm Beach 7 0 0 7 1952
Speedway Park Jacksonville 6 0 0 6 1951
Titusville-Cocoa Speedway Titusville 1 0 0 1 1957
Volusia County Speedway Barberville 0 4 0 4 1989
Walt Disney World Speedway Orlando 0 0 2 2 1997
Totals 209 103 57 369

NASCAR DRIVERS FROM FLORIDA

  • A total of 197 drivers in NASCAR’s three national series have their home state recorded as Florida.
  • There have been 13 race winners with their home state recorded as Florida in NASCAR’s three national series; totaling 111 victories among them:
NASCAR Drivers From Florida Cup Wins Xfinity Wins Truck Wins Combined
Fireball Roberts 33 0 0 33
LeeRoy Yarbrough 14 0 0 14
Marshall Teague 7 0 0 7
Ross Chastain 5 2 5 12
Joe Nemechek 4 16 0 20
Aric Almirola 3 7 2 12
Bobby Johns 2 0 0 2
David Reutimann 2 1 1 4
Shorty Rollins 1 0 0 1
Rick Wilson 0 2 0 2
Nicholas Sanchez 0 0 2 2
Joey Coulter 0 0 1 1
Ben Kennedy 0 0 1 1
Totals 71 28 12 111

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