“Nobody in their right mind could ever turn down this opportunity”: Helio Castroneves shares his thoughts after confirming Daytona 500 entry

IndyCar star Helio Castroneves shared his thoughts on entering the upcoming Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves considers the drive an opportunity of a lifetime and can't wait to get the ball rolling.

Castroneves is a 49-year-old Brazilian racecar driver who won the prestigious Indy 500 race four times (2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021). The driver may not have won a championship yet, but has had four runner-up finishes (2002, 2008, 2013, and 2014).

The 2025 Daytona 500 will be the Brazilian's first start in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In a statement, Helio Castroneves said, “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."

The IndyCar star then thanked Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks and his sponsor Wendy's for the opportunity to run in the "Great American Race."

“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,” Castroneves stated.

Meanwhile, team owner Justin Marks said:

“Helio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and exactly the type of driver we want to bring to NASCAR."

Helio Castroneves won the 2021 Indy 500 - Source: Getty

Helio Castroneves will drive Trackhouse Racing's Project 91 car, the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Marks introduced in 2022. The program aims to field international racing drivers on a part-time basis to expand its reach globally.

Since its inauguration, Project 91 brought drivers like Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen and Supercars champ Shane van Gisbergen to the NASCAR stage.

The 2025 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 16. Helio Castroneves will run alongside Trackhouse Racing drivers Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen.

However, as an open team, Castroneves is the only Trackhouse Racing driver required to qualify to make the race. He must out-qualify other open teams in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel on February 13. Only four non-chartered teams will join the 40-car field.

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Helio Castroneves set to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 against drivers like Mike Wallace

In a report by veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, Helio Castroneves will go up against three confirmed open car drivers in the Duel. Pockrass also listed four other expected non-chartered drivers joining the slugfest.

The confirmed open car driver list consists of Mike Wallace for MBM Motorsports, JJ Yeley for NY Racing, and BJ McLeod for Live Fast Motorsports.

Meanwhile, the expected entries include Martin Truex Jr. for Tricon Garage, Jimmie Johnson for Legacy Motorsports, and Anthony Alfredo for Beard Motorsports. Rick Ware Racing is also expected to attempt to qualify for the race with an unnamed driver.

Castroneves may be competing against experienced stock car racing drivers but has had some races outside of open-wheel racing. He has entered races in IROC, Supercars, and Brazil's stock car series, not to mention his racing prowess on ovals.