Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Kroger/Cottonelle Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 65th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service

Today marks 12 days before the NASCAR Cup Series drivers suit up for the most prestigious event on the schedule, the 2025 DAYTONA 500. The number 12 has been significant in the race – especially in later decades – because the scheduled 200-laps that make up the DAYTONA 500 have been extended 12 times. The last time was in 2023 when the race was 212 laps and included two overtime periods before Ricky Stenhouse Jr. prevailed to claim his career first Daytona 500 trophy.

Tune-in to the 2025 DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.