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Numbers Game: 2012 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona

2

This marks the second consecutive race Daytona 500 polesitter Carl Edwards has started from the top spot. He also won time trials in the season finale in Homestead last November.

5

With Kyle Busch‘s victory in Saturday’s Bud Shootout (Feb. 19), it gave car owner Joe Gibbs five victories in the exhibition race.

6

It has been six years since the winner of the season opener went on to win the championship, when Jimmie Johnson won his only 500 en route to his first championship in 2006.

8

Prior to Edwards winning the pole on Sunday, it had been eight years since a Roush-owned car qualified for the top spot, when Greg Biffle posted the fastest time in 2004. However, Biffle had to start in the rear of the field after an engine change cost him his start up front.

12

The number of Gatorade Duel wins Dale Earnhardt Sr. had during his career, a NASCAR record. Perhaps more amazing than that is the fact he won 10 straight from 1990-1999.

15.0

Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s average finish at Daytona is 15.0, which may sound average, but is the highest of any active driver.

20

The age of defending 500 winner Trevor Bayne, who turned 20 just the day before scoring one of the biggest upsets in NASCAR history.

39

The lowest starting position for any Daytona 500 winner. This feat was accomplished by Matt Kenseth in 2009 when he won the rain-shortened event that was cut 48 laps short of the scheduled distance.

74

The number of lead changes in last year’s Daytona 500, breaking an almost 30-year-old race record. The previous high was 60 in 1974.

641

The number of laps defending champion Tony Stewart has led at Daytona, more than any active driver. However, Smoke is still looking for for that elusive 500 win.

2000

It hasn’t been a good to omen to be the Daytona 500 polesitter as of late. The last time anyone won the sports biggest race from the top spot was 12 years ago, when Dale Jarrett finished right where he started in first.

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