Hélio Castroneves, a motorsport icon with four Indianapolis 500 wins and over 30 open-wheel victories, is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2025 Daytona 500.
The Brazilian native will drive the No. 91 Wendy’s Chevrolet as part of Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 program, with Darian Grubb, a 24-time Cup-winning crew chief, leading the team.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would enter a NASCAR race, especially not the Daytona 500 with a team like Trackhouse Racing,” said Castroneves. “This is an opportunity no one in their right mind could turn down. I wish the race were tomorrow!”
If successful, Castroneves could join Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt as the only drivers to win both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500.
The 2025 Daytona 500 will mark the fifth entry for PROJECT91. Castroneves recognizes the steep learning curve but is confident in the support from Trackhouse Racing.
“I know how challenging this will be, but I also know the level of talent and effort Trackhouse brings,” he said. “I’m ready to learn, prepare, and make the most of this opportunity.”
Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 was launched in 2022 to bring international racing stars to NASCAR’s premier series. Castroneves follows drivers like 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who each made their NASCAR debuts through PROJECT91.
“Hélio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and exactly the kind of talent we want to bring to NASCAR,” said Trackhouse owner Justin Marks. “This not only excites race fans worldwide but also broadens NASCAR’s global appeal.
”Van Gisbergen’s historic win at the 2023 Chicago Street Race during his Cup debut marked a defining moment for the program. The driver from New Zealand now races full-time in NASCAR, joining Trackhouse’s three-car lineup alongside Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain.
Though new to NASCAR, he has previous stock car experience, including 16 IROC starts and stints in the Brazilian Stock Car Series and Supercars Championship as well as racing in Tony Stewart Superstar Racing Experience.
Castroneves has achieved nearly every accolade in motorsport, including three Rolex 24 at Daytona wins and a 2020 IMSA Championship.
Castroneves’ résumé includes:
- Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021).
- Three-time Rolex 24 winner (2021, 2022, 2023).
- 2020 IMSA champion with Team Penske.
- Runner-up in the IndyCar championship four times (2002, 2008, 2013, 2014).
Castroneves is also widely known as “Spider-Man” for his signature fence-climbing celebrations after victories. It’s a feat that Castroneves hopes to perform in front of NASCAR fans at Daytona.
Competing in the Daytona 500, however, offers him an entirely new challenge.
Practice sessions begin Feb. 12, leading up to the “Great American Race” on Feb. 16.
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