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Helio Castroneves Set for NASCAR Debut at Daytona 500
Helio Castroneves, renowned for his four victories at the Indianapolis 500, is gearing up to make his NASCAR debut at one of the most prestigious events in motorsport—the Daytona 500. The Brazilian driver will partner with Trackhouse Racing, participating in their Project 91 initiative for the 67th rendition of ‘The Great American Race’ at the Daytona International Speedway.
This won’t be Castroneves’s first encounter with the Daytona oval, as he has previously competed in International Race of Champions (IROC) events on the 2.5-mile track from 2002 to 2005. Despite these experiences, this marks his inaugural appearance in NASCAR’s premier series.
While many Indy 500 winners have aspired to race at Daytona, the tradition has seen a significant gap, with Juan Pablo Montoya being the last to try in 2013. Historically, just two drivers have claimed victories in both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500: Mario Andretti in 1967 and A.J. Foyt in 1972. Castroneves hopes to join this elite group.
Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 has served as a unique entry point for accomplished drivers from other racing disciplines, featuring special entries for select races since 2022. Notable past participants include Kimi Raikkonen and Shane van Gisbergen, with the latter even securing a win at the Chicago Street Course in 2023. Nonetheless, the Project 91 car did not compete in the ongoing 2024 season until this announcement.
“I never imagined I would have the chance to enter a NASCAR race, especially the Daytona 500, with a remarkable team like Trackhouse Racing,” Castroneves expressed. “This is an incredible opportunity that no one would want to pass up. I’m grateful to Wendy’s for allowing me to represent them and to Trackhouse owner Justin Marks for making this possible. I wish the race were tomorrow!”
The Daytona 500 is shaping up to have a particularly competitive field, with several open entries. To secure a position, unchartered cars will need to qualify during the Duel races. A significant number of entries is expected, including past NASCAR champions like Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson.
A total of 36 cars are guaranteed spots in the 40-car lineup thanks to charters, while the final four positions will be contested by open entries, including drivers such as Mike Wallace, J.J. Yeley, and B.J. McLeod. Castroneves is set to be part of a four-car contingent for Trackhouse, showcasing a diverse international lineup alongside teammates Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and van Gisbergen.
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www.autosport.com