The Daytona 500 or The Daytona 506.9?

Stat Sheet is a returning column for Frontstretch that will discuss notable statistics and trends for races and the drivers competing in them. Each column will analyze the results of the previous NASCAR Cup Series weekend and then provide an outlook for the upcoming weekend. The final column of the year at Phoenix Raceway will analyze the final race and the 2023 season in review. Click here for Stat Sheet’s debut column in December that covered 2022 in review.

It’s the Tuesday after Super Bowl LVII, which means that just one day remains before Speedweeks officially kicks off with Daytona 500 qualifying on Wednesday (Feb. 15). 42 drivers will once again hit to track in a quest to claim the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy in the 65th running of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.

Denny Hamlin leads the field with three victories in NASCAR’s prestigious race and is striving for a fourth; Kyle Busch and countless others will be seeking glory at Daytona for the first time in their careers. Here’s what to look for when NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season begins this weekend:

Calamity Corner

506.9: The average number of miles in The Great American Race since overtime was implemented for 2005 (this number excludes 2009, which was shortened by rain after 152 laps).

• Of the 17 Daytona 500s that made it to the scheduled distance since 2005, 11 of them went into overtime.
• Of the six Daytona 500s to finish at 200 laps, 2013, 2014 and 2021 all had a crash on the final lap. 2008, 2016 and 2017 were the only three to not go into overtime and not have a crash on the final circuit.
• The last 10 Daytona 500s (2013-2022) have featured an average of 2.1 cautions in the final 20 laps of the scheduled distance. The 2019 edition had the most cautions after lap 180 with five, while the 2017 edition was the only one to run caution free.
• The six Daytona 500s since the damaged vehicle policy began in 2017 have featured an average of 15.7 cars that fail to finish due to crash damage or the DVP. 2019 led the way with 20 wrecked cars, half the field.

Hot Potato

27.4: The average number of lead changes in the Daytona 500 since 2013.

• 2014 featured the most lead changes with 42, while 2019 had the fewest with 15.

7.4: The average number of laps left for the final lead change of the Daytona 500 since 2013.

• Dale Earnhardt Jr., in 2014, held the lead the longest, as he never relinquished the top spot after…