Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves is set to make his NASCAR debut at the upcoming Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves, a revered figure in IndyCar racing, secured a seat for the Daytona 500 as part of Trackhouse's 'Project 91,' aimed at providing renowned non-NASCAR racers with an opportunity in stock car racing.
Driving the No. 91 Chevrolet with sponsorship from Wendy's, Castroneves will be under the guidance of crew chief Darian Grubb. Expressing his gratitude for the chance to race in NASCAR, Castroneves shared his excitement about this unexpected opportunity.
Project 91 was initiated in 2022 with former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen's Cup Series debut at Watkins Glen. The project continued in 2023 with three-time Australian V8 Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who won in his NASCAR debut at Chicago's street course.
Van Gisbergen's success led to his transition to full-time stock car competition, becoming a full-time Cup Series driver this year. In contrast, Castroneves, nearing the end of his driving career, moved into an ownership role with Meyer Shank Racing last season after a distinguished tenure with Team Penske.
With three wins at the Rolex 24 endurance sports car race at Daytona International Speedway, Castroneves is a seasoned driver familiar with the track. His desire to compete in the Daytona 500 has been longstanding, and he is eager to take on this new challenge.
Trackhouse owner Justin Marks expressed enthusiasm for Castroneves' NASCAR debut, highlighting the global appeal of having a driver of Castroneves' caliber in the prestigious race. Castroneves, a three-time runner-up in the IndyCar championship, boasts an impressive record of 31 IndyCar wins and is part of the elite group of four-time Indy 500 winners.
To secure a spot in the Daytona 500, Castroneves will need to qualify through time trials or a qualifying race, as only four spots are open in the 40-car field. Winning the Daytona 500 would place Castroneves in an exclusive club alongside A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as drivers who have triumphed in both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.
Preparations are underway at Trackhouse Racing as Castroneves gears up for his NASCAR debut, eager to learn and adapt to the challenges that lie ahead.
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