NASCAR drivers mark historical milestones through 2026 race car numbers
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 1:15 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
NASCAR fans and officials are tracking car number trends during the 2026 season. Tyler Reddick secured a victory at the Daytona 500, marking the first time the No. 45 has won the event. The No. 45 is also the 31st different car number to reach victory lane in the race's history. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen made his debut in the Cup Series driving the No. 97. His appearance marked the first time a driver has campaigned that specific number in the series in 21 years. These events have prompted renewed interest in the historical significance of car numbers currently appearing on the track.
- •Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 in the No. 45 car.
- •The No. 45 became the 31st different number to win the Daytona 500.
- •Shane van Gisbergen raced the No. 97 in the Cup Series this season.
- •The No. 97 returned to the Cup Series for the first time in 21 years.
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"2026 has been a fun season for NASCAR fans interested in numerology, specifically in relation to race-winning car numbers. Tyler Reddick was the first driver to ever win the Daytona 500 with the No. 45, while it also became the 31st different car number to win NASCAR's biggest race. Shane van Gisbergen finally got to drive his No. 97 in the Cup Series, and was the first driver in 21 years to ...Keep reading
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