Trackhouse boss Justin Marks shares a hysterical post for “Dancing with the Stars Champ” as Helio Castroneves takes team's PROJECT91 ride

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has expressed his excitement by sharing a post on his official Instagram following Helio Castroneves joining them to make his NASCAR debut in the 2025 Daytona 500. Marks welcomes Castroneves, referring to him as the 2007 “Dancing with the Stars Champ,” alluding to his victory on the popular television show. Castroneves and Julianne Hough won the 2007 “Dancing with the Stars” competition on ABC Television.

Helio Castroneves, who is a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, will attempt to run at the prestigious Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025. Castroneves will drive the #91 Wendy’s Chevrolet as a part of Trackhouse's PROJECT91 program, which aims to bring international racing stars into NASCAR. He will also look to become one of the four unchartered entries to qualify for this year’s Daytona 500.

Sharing a Castroneves photo on his Instagram story, Marks wrote:

“2007 Dancing with the Stars Champ join Trackhouse!”

Justin Mark's Insta story

Trackhouse and Marks created PROJECT91 in 2022 with an aim to showcase the talent of racing drivers from all around the globe.

Expressing excitement about Castroneves joining the team, Marks said in a team release:

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

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Helio Castroneves makes his feelings known on making NASCAR debut

The 49-year-old São Paulo, Brazil, native revealed that he never thought he would race in NASCAR. Expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to race in the NASCAR season-opener Daytona 500, Castroneves said in a team release:

“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. 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, (Trackhouse owner) Justin Marks and everyone that made this happen. I wish the race were tomorrow.”

Helio Castroneves’s NASCAR journey to make a Daytona 500 appearance will begin with single-vehicle qualifying on February 12, followed by the Bluegreen Vacations Duels on February 13.

Helio Castroneves, currently runs part-time in the IndyCar Series, behind the wheel of #06 Dallara-Honda for Meyer Shank Racing. He has scored 25 wins and 84 podium finishes in the series. He has also achieved three consecutive wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona from 2021 to 2023.