The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season had a significant decrease in the number of cautions compared to the previous three seasons.
There were 216 cautions during the 36-race Cup series season. There were 305 cautions in the 2009 season, 265 in 2010 and 278 last season.
Some additional caution statistics provided by Darnell Communications:
Most Cautions in a Race 2012 14 (Kansas 2) 2011 18 (Martinsville 2) 2010 15 (Martinsville 2) 2009 17 (Darlington)
Fewest Cautions in a Race 2012 1 (Fontana) 2011 3 (New Hampshire 2) 2010 3 (Richmond 2) 2009 3 (Michigan 1, Indianapolis)
Most Caution Laps in a Race 2012 87 (Bristol 2) 2011 108 (Martinsville 2) 2010 103 (Bristol 2) 2009 73 (Martinsville 1)
Most Miles Under Caution 2012 105.000 (Daytona 1) 2011 150.000 (Daytona 1) 2010 100.000 (Daytona 1) 2009 99.718 (Darlington)
Races Extended Due to Caution 2012 10 2011 7 2010 7 2009 5
Races Shortened Due To Weather 2012 2 2011 0 2010 0 2009 3