Castroneves lands Trackhouse's Project 91 entry for Daytona 500

01/06/2025 03:22 PM

The long-awaited and highly anticipated NASCAR debut of Helio Castroneves will take place next month at Daytona International Speedway.

Trackhouse Racing announced Monday it will field a car for Castroneves to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. The entry, Project 91, will be a fourth car for Castroneves that will need to earn a spot in the 40-car field either through his single-car qualifying speed or from The Duel qualifying race. Castroneves will be teammates with Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez.

"Helio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and exactly the type of driver we want to bring to NASCAR," Justin Marks said. "I think race fans around the world will be excited to see Helio in NASCAR's most prestigious race. It also exposes our sport to a global audience and allows them to see just how great of a series we have in NASCAR."

Darian Grubb will serve as the crew chief for Castroneves. Wendy's will be the sponsor of the car.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would enter a NASCAR race and certainly not the Daytona 500 with a team like Trackhouse Racing," Castroneves said. "This is an opportunity that nobody in their right mind could ever turn down. I am so thankful to Wendy's for allowing me to wear their uniform and drive their car, Justin Marks and everyone that made this happen. I wish the race were tomorrow."

Project 91 debuted in 2022 with Kimi Raikkonen at Watkins Glen. Van Gisbergen made his debut in the car in 2023, winning on the streets of Chicago.

Castroneves, 49, is a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner who has spent decades competing in open-wheel racing. He has 30 career victories and was runner-up in the IndyCar Series championship four times.

Additionally, Castroneves is a three-time winner of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Castroneves also competed in the IROC Series (2002-2005) as well as in Supercars and Brazil’s stock car series.

"I know how much of a challenge this is going to be, but I also know the type of people and team Trackhouse Racing will bring to the effort," Castroneves said. "I can't wait to get to the Trackhouse race shop in North Carolina to meet everyone and prepare for Daytona. There is so much I must learn and I'm ready to get started."

Castroneves will look to follow Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt as drivers who have won both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500.