Skip to main content
Join
NASCAR Logo

Trackhouse, Helio Castroneves secure new Open Exemption Provisional for Daytona 500

JHby:Jonathan Howard•01/10/25•

Jondean25

Helio Castroneves
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For the first time ever, NASCAR is granting an Open Exemption Provisional for Trackhouse Racing and Helio Castroneves. The Project 91 team will have an automatic 41st starting spot in the Daytona 500 if they fail to make the 40-car field in qualifying or the Duels.

This puts the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner in the Great American Race automatically. Should he fail to make the top 40, another team will not be punished and pushed out for the 91 car. Instead, Helio Castroneves will be a 41st entry.

This new Open Exemption Provisional was one of many new rules and rule changes made by NASCAR today. Trackhouse Racing applied for the provisional and it has been granted.

I have mixed feelings about this. First, I think it’s great that Helio Castroneves will be in the race. That needs to happen. It is good for the sport that he participates. However, the drama and intrigue that comes with qualifying is gone now for the biggest name in the field.

No matter what Castroneves does in qualifying and the Duels, he will start the Daytona 500. This new rule allows NASCAR to grant a 41st starting spot to special drivers. This provisional is not available for NASCAR drivers to use, only non-NASCAR drivers in one-off starts.

Helio will be the first to use the provisional. So, we will see how it all works out. If I’m one of the other open teams, I’m hoping he has to use it so it bumps the field from 40 to 41.

Helio Castroneves gets first test of ARCA at Daytona

This week Helio Castroneves got his first taste of a stock car at Daytona. The IndyCar legend tested his ARCA car on Thursday. He was involved in a minor wreck with his teammate Brenden “Butterbean” Queen as well.

So, already, the Brazilian wheelman is experiencing NASCAR. He’s had his first look at drafting and pack racing. Then he was in a small wreck with his own teammate. What more could you ask for at Daytona? Sounds like the standard experience.

Trackhouse Racing has put together a great deal here. Castroneves is talented enough to make this race interesting. Of course, he has to adapt to the stock car and to will be racing 39 to 40 completely new competitors.

While he has all of the open-wheel accolades, Helio Castroneves wants more. That’s why he is coming to NASCAR for the Daytona 500. Fans will get to see him line up no matter what happens a month from now in qualifying.