Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Hélio Castroneves is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2025 Daytona 500. The Brazilian racing legend will drive Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 No. 91 Chevrolet, sporting the iconic Wendy’s® livery during the prestigious event on February 16, 2025.
Castroneves, known for his remarkable career in open-wheel racing, joins an elite group of drivers attempting to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Only Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt have achieved this historic feat.
A Dream Opportunity with Trackhouse Racing
Castroneves expressed his excitement about the opportunity:
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would enter a NASCAR race, let alone the Daytona 500 with a team like Trackhouse Racing. This is an opportunity that nobody in their right mind could ever turn down.”
Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks founded PROJECT91 in 2022 to expand NASCAR’s global reach by inviting world-class drivers from other disciplines to compete in select events. Previous PROJECT91 participants include 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who made headlines by winning his NASCAR debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2023.
Marks described adding Castroneves to the PROJECT91 roster as a “no-brainer,” saying, “Hélio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and exactly the type of driver we want to bring to NASCAR. This exposes our sport to a global audience and highlights just how great NASCAR racing is.”
Preparation for a New Challenge
While the Daytona 500 will be Castroneves’ first NASCAR Cup Series start, he brings a wealth of experience driving various vehicles, including 16 International Race of Champions (IROC) events and stints in Supercars and Brazilian stock car racing. He is also a three-time winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 2020 IMSA championship winner with Team Penske.
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Castroneves said, “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. There is so much I must learn, and I’m ready to get started.”
Darian Grubb, a veteran crew chief with 24 wins and a 2011 Cup Series championship with Tony Stewart, will lead the No. 91 team.
Expanding Trackhouse’s Legacy
Trackhouse Racing, founded by Marks in 2020, has quickly become a powerhouse in NASCAR. The team began as a single-car entry in 2021 with Daniel Suárez and expanded to two cars after acquiring Chip Ganassi Racing’s NASCAR assets in 2021. In 2025, the team will field three full-time entries with Suárez, Ross Chastain, and van Gisbergen.
Trackhouse has also garnered attention for its innovative partnerships, including a collaboration with international music superstar Pitbull, whose involvement has elevated the team’s profile globally.
Castroneves’ Storied Career
Beyond his racing accolades, Castroneves is beloved for his charismatic personality and iconic victory celebrations, which earned him the nickname “Spider-Man” for scaling fences after wins. His off-track activities, such as winning Dancing with the Stars and appearances on major television programs, have solidified his status as a fan favorite.
At age 49, Castroneves remains eager to add another milestone to his illustrious career. Climbing the Daytona fence in celebration of a victory at “The Great American Race” would undoubtedly cement his legacy as one of motorsport’s all-time greats.
NASCAR fans worldwide will be watching as the four-time Indy 500 winner takes on a new challenge in pursuit of Daytona 500 glory.
