A motor racing legend will attempt the Daytona 500 for the first time in 2025.
Helio Castronevesrecord four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will make his NASCAR debuts next month. He’s going to hit Daytona International Speedway with Track racingwho announced the decision on Monday, for the Cup Series opener on February 16.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would compete in a NASCAR race and certainly not the Daytona 500 with a team like Trackhouse Racing,” Castroneves said. “This is an opportunity that no one in their right mind could ever refuse. I am very grateful to (sponsor) Wendy’s for allowing me to wear their uniform and drive their car.
Castroneves has hinted at his desire to contest a Cup race before retiring. Now 49, he has spent the majority of his career in IndyCar. He finished runner-up in the world four times.
Despite his lack of experience in NASCAR, Castroneves has previously competed at Daytona. It’s a triple champion Rolex 24with its three consecutive crowns (2021-2023). He did not participate in last year’s Rolex.
He recently won the 2021 Indianapolis 500.
Project 91: Why Trackhouse Racing is giving Helio Castroneves an opportunity at the Daytona 500
In recent years, Trackhouse has offered Cup Series opportunities to several well-known drivers outside of NASCAR under a venture dubbed “Project 91.” Usually consisting of three cars, the team occasionally enters a fourth car with this number.
In 2022, Kimi Raikkonen ran a Cup race in the No. 91 Trackhouse race. In 2023, he makes another appearance. Shane van Gisbergen also held the seat for two races that season.
“Helio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and is exactly the type of driver we want to bring to NASCAR,” said Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse. “I think racing fans around the world will be excited to see Helio compete in NASCAR’s most prestigious race. It also exposes our sport to a global audience and allows them to see what a great series we have in NASCAR.
Castroneves is not guaranteed a starting grid position for the Daytona 500. Thirty-six of the 40 spots are filled via chartered rides. If more than 40 cars show up, Castroneves will have to earn his place in qualifying.
Darian Grubb will be his team leader.
(This story has been updated to add a gallery.)
This article originally appeared in the Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona 500: Helio Castroneves will make his NASCAR debut in 2025
