Project91, Trackhouse Racing's program built to bring international drivers into NASCAR, has set its next race. The No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro will return for the Daytona 500 as a four-time Indy 500 winner takes over.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a press release, Helio Castroneves will drive the Camaro while becoming teammates with Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and Shane van Gisbergen. He will make his NASCAR debut while attempting to qualify for the biggest race in the Cup Series.
Wendy's will serve as the primary partner of Castroneves and the No. 91 team while continuing its support of Trackhouse Racing.
Castroneves will not have a guaranteed spot in the lineup considering that the No. 91 is an open entry. He will have to beat out the other open cars during qualifying or the Duels at Daytona.
"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 veteran racer said in a press release.
"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!"
Fans have waited for Castroneves' move into NASCAR since 2022 when he competed in the Superstar Racing Experience. Don Hawk, then-CEO of SRX, made a deal with Castroneves. If the Brazilian won one of the races on his part-time schedule, Hawk would find a way to get him a ride for Daytona.
Castroneves wasted no time. He won the 2022 season-opening race at Five Flags Speedway after holding off Bubba Pollard and Ryan Newman.
Years later, Castroneves will make his NASCAR debut after joining forces with a championship-contending team.
"Hélio is one of the greatest drivers of all time and exactly the type of driver we want to bring to NASCAR," Marks said in a statement.
"I think race fans around the world will be excited to see Hélio 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."
