NASCAR Rule Change Could Secure Daytona 500 Spot For Helio Castroneves

Four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves could now secure his spot in the Daytona 500 after NASCAR introduced the Open Exemption Provisional for the 2025 season.

This rule allows “world-class drivers” a guaranteed entry into a NASCAR Cup Series race.

One of the first drivers to benefit from this is Castroneves, who has his sights set on the Daytona 500.

He is set to enter the race driving the No. 91 Chevrolet under Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, following in the footsteps of Kimi Raikkonen and Shane van Gisbergen.

Helio Castroneves signs autographs at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach on April 14, 2023 in Long Beach, California. NASCAR rule change could secure Daytona 500 spot for Helio Castroneves.

Greg Doherty/Getty Images

The new provisional rule could see the Daytona 500 starting field increase from 40 to 41 cars if utilized by a driver like Castroneves.

However, there are certain conditions attached to this participation. For instance, no points, prize money, or tiebreaker benefits are offered to drivers using this provisional.

In the event that Castroneves wins, the trophy would go to the No. 91 car, and it would become eligible for the All-Star Race. However, the second-place finisher would take home the first-place points but not the playoff points or playoff eligibility.

This means that he’s in it more for the opportunity and exposure than for substantial rewards.

All teams wishing to use this provisional must declare this 90 days before the event, a deadline that Trackhouse Racing has already met for Castroneves’ Daytona 500 entry.

Speaking about his upcoming NASCAR debut, Castroneves explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

“It will be a challenge…No question about that. It’s a big oval. It’s a tough oval. A lot of fearless competitors, but I have a great group behind me.”

He also commented:

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The 2025 Daytona 500, often called the “Great American Race,” is scheduled for February 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET.