Helio Castroneves, renowned for his four victories at the Indianapolis 500, is now setting his sights on qualifying for the Daytona 500. For this challenge, Castroneves will partner with Trackhouse Racing, with experienced crew chief Darian Grubb overseeing the effort. His entry will feature the Project 91 car, supported by a sponsorship deal with Wendy’s. Known for his dominance at the Indianapolis 500, Castroneves has also been a four-time IndyCar Series runner-up and has triumphed in endurance racing, including winning the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona three times in a row and claiming an IMSA championship with Team Penske in 2020. Reflecting on his upcoming debut, Castroneves shared, as reported by Newsweek Sports: “I know how challenging this will be, but I have confidence in the team and the people at Trackhouse Racing. I’m excited to head to the shop in North Carolina, meet everyone, and get ready for Daytona. I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m eager to start.”
Darian Grubb, the crew chief for Castroneves’ car, brings a wealth of experience to the team, with 24 Cup Series wins and a championship from his partnership with Tony Stewart in 2011. Grubb has also worked with prestigious teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. At Trackhouse Racing, he will not only serve as crew chief for Castroneves but also help shape performance strategies. Trackhouse Racing, under the leadership of Justin Marks, is known for its innovative approach to NASCAR, especially with the Project 91 initiative, which brings international talent into the sport. Previously, the team has introduced drivers such as Kimi Räikkönen and Shane van Gisbergen. With Wendy’s, valued at $3.2 billion, backing the Project 91 car, the effort gains considerable brand visibility. Justin Marks commented: “Hélio is a legendary driver, and he’s exactly the kind of talent we want in NASCAR. I’m sure race fans worldwide will be excited to see him in the Daytona 500, and it will introduce NASCAR to a broader global audience.”
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Schedule:
Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs:
Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m.
