Where is NASCAR driver Hélio Castroneves starting in the 2025 Daytona 500?

02/15/2025 04:14 PM

The Daytona 500 is the biggest race on the NASCAR schedule, and it also begins the season every year and attracts drivers who don’t race full time in NASCAR, including Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Hélio Castroneves this year.

Drivers would do just about anything to win this coveted checkered flag and put themselves in NASCAR’s history books forever, but so much goes into winning the race. Ending the Daytona 500 in Victory Lane requires more than a fast car: Teams need perfect race strategies executed perfectly, along with fast pit stop. And, of course, a little bit of luck.

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While there are Daytona 500 favorites, all these factors also mean anyone can win at Daytona International Speedway, regardless of the starting lineup. But starting position counts for something too.

So where is Hélio Castroneves starting in the 2025 Daytona 500?

At 49 years old, the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner is making his first NASCAR Cup Series start with the Daytona 500 from the 41st position in row 21. Can only go up from dead last.

Normally, there are only 40 cars in the Daytona 500, but this year, the race will have 41, thanks to NASCAR's Open Exemption Provisional, which allows what the governing body deems as world-class drivers to enter the Daytona 500 if they don't qualify on speed. Castroneves will get credit if he wins the race but no prize money or points.

The 2025 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Fox. The race was originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET but was moved up because of weather.