13-02-2025
NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. says 2023 Daytona 500 win was ‘life-changing'
DAYTONA, Fla. (WGHP) — Can do it again just two years after his 'life-changing' Daytona 500 win?
, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, drives the No. 47 Chevrolet for . He has 12 full seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series behind him.
Here's what you need to know ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500
This will be his 14th Daytona 500 after eight with RFK Racing and five with JTG Daugherty Racing. 2025 marks his first time running the 500 with Hyak Motorsports.
What sets this run apart from most of his past races is that, now, Stenhouse Jr. returns as a Daytona 500 champion after claiming victory in 2023.
'It was unbelievable,' he said. 'Now when I come into Daytona 500 media day, I've got that trophy with my name on it, so that never gets old. But I think for us and our small team, it was life-changing. It felt like it gave our whole team just a little pep in their step. And now when you come down here to Daytona 500, way more confidence, way more relaxed, and ready to go win another one.'
Stenhouse came in 47th during the 2024 Daytona 500, but this could be the year he collects his second win, which would place him among star drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
DraftKings puts his odds of winning the 2025 Daytona 500 at +3500.
FOX8's and and WFLA's spent Wednesday afternoon catching up with drivers as they get ready to hit the speedway this Sunday for the Daytona 500. You can check out their full interview with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the video player above.
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