Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the weather delayed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service

Today marks 18 days before the NASCAR Cup Series drivers suit up for the biggest race of the year, the 2025 DAYTONA 500. The number “18” represents a record-setting achievement in the Great American Race. The youngest driver to ever race in the DAYTONA 500 was Joey Logano, whose first start in 2009 was at the age of 18 years, eight months and 22 days. Although Logano finished last – 43rd – in his Daytona debut after a single car crash 81 laps into the race – Logano’s legacy thereafter has stood the test of time. He returned to win the 2015 DAYTONA 500 and is currently the reigning three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.