IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves declares his “must” do path to prepare for his career-first Daytona 500 challenge

IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves has pointed out what he must do for his first NASCAR start in the Daytona 500. Castroneves said he must prepare as soon as possible to get up to speed with Trackhouse Racing for next month's season opener.

Castroneves is a 49-year-old Brazilian racecar driver who made a name for himself in the IndyCar Series. The driver notably won the Indy 500 four times (2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021), though he has yet to secure his first series championship.

In a statement, Helio Castroneves understands that expecting a win on his NASCAR debut is "unrealistic." Regardless, the Brazilian wanted to get familiar with the team in North Carolina right away in preparation for the "Great American Race."

“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.

He added:

“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.”

Helio Castroneves will drive Project 91 previously run by Kimi Raikkonen and SVG - Source: Imagn

Castroneves will drive the Trackhouse Racing's Project 91 in the Daytona 500. The Project 91 is the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro introduced by team owner Justin Marks in 2022.

Marks created the program to field international drivers into the NASCAR scene to expand the team's reach globally. Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen debuted the No. 91 car followed by Supercars champ Shane van Gisbergen.

The upcoming Daytona 500 attempt will mark Project 91's fifth race in NASCAR. However, Castroneves has to qualify to make the 40-car field in Sunday's race considering he will run an open car.

Only four unchartered teams will compete in the Daytona 500 race alongside the 36 chartered teams. The Bluegreen Vacation Duels (qualifying session) is scheduled for February 13. Drivers who will make the 40-car field will enter the Daytona 500 on February 16.

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Helio Castroneves expressed gratitude for the Daytona 500 opportunity from Trackhouse Racing

Helio Castroneves revealed that he didn't expect to make a Daytona 500 attempt in his racing career. Nevertheless, the Brazilian expressed gratitude to the people who gave him the opportunity including the guys at Trackhouse Racing and sponsor Wendy's.

Castroneves said (via Trackhouse Racing):

“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."

He added:

“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!”

Helio Castroneves is a four-time Indy 500 winner - Source: Getty

The four-time Indy 500 winner will attempt to qualify for the Daytona with crew chief Darian Grubb, Tony Stewart's shot-caller in his 2011 championship run. He will drive alongside Trackhouse Racing drivers Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen.