It’s not every day that the legendary Jimmie Johnson is overlooked. According to a recent NASCAR ruling, the seven-time Cup Series champion may have been snubbed from the season-opening Daytona 500, with the sanctioning body shifting its focus on Helio Castroneves. The 49-year-old is a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time Rolex 24 champion. The Brazil native is expected to make a one-off appearance at the crown jewel event with Trackhouse Racing after being given a guaranteed spot.

However, not everybody feels Castroneves deserves his place at the 200-lap event. Bubba Wallace’s spotter Freddie Kraft, has questioned the veteran driver’s NASCAR appearance, especially with Jimmie Johnson potentially missing out.

Is NASCAR being accused of favoritism?

It’s a crossover that has left fans buzzing. NASCAR recently announced that it was adding an ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ to the rule book, which will allow ‘world-class’ drivers from other motorsports disciplines to compete in the Cup Series. The provisional will give them a guaranteed spot in the race, even if they compete in an ‘open category’ team, and Helio Castroneves will be eligible to take advantage of the new rule if he fails to qualify for the Daytona 500 on February 16th. But does he deserve to make it over Jimmie Johnson?

Freddie Kraft has questioned Helio Castroneves’ place at NASCAR’s highest level, especially while veterans in the sport are not being guaranteed a place in the season-opener. Bubba Wallace’s spotter wrote in a tweet, “I might be slightly hungover and my eyes might not be working great so let me just ask the crowd for confirmation. We’re giving Helio a guaranteed spot, but not Jimmie Johnson?”

As things stand, Legacy Motor Club has two charters in the Cup Series, with John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones competing for the team at NASCAR’s highest level. Meanwhile, two-time Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson has been participating on a part-time basis and made nine appearances during the 2024 campaign. Despite his stature and many accomplishments, Johnson won’t be guaranteed a seat at the Daytona 500 and will need to qualify for the crown-jewel event, while Castroneves will be handed a seat as per NASCAR’s new rule.

With 36 spots already going for the chartered teams, Helio Castroneves will be competing for one of the four remaining ‘open category’ seats for the race at Daytona International Speedway. However, even if the 49-year-old doesn’t qualify, the Brazilian will be eligible for a ‘provisional’, which means NASCAR will increase the grid to 41 teams to give him a place at the race. Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson has a realistic chance of missing out, which means he might potentially not race at the Daytona 500 for the first time since 2001.

Helio Castroneves excited about making his NASCAR debut

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While the Project 91 car has seen some excited drivers behind the wheel, such as Formula 1’s Kimi Raikkonen and Kiwi Supercars sensation Shane van Gisbergen, few expected Helio Castroneves to be the next superstar who would be making a NASCAR appearance. With 30 wins to his name, the Brazilian has built quite a reputation in the IndyCar world, finishing runner-up in the championship four times in the past. Could he follow Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt’s footsteps by winning both, the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500?

Sharing his thoughts about competing in the crown-jewel event, Helio Castroneves said, “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, Justin Marks, and everyone that made this happen. I wish the race were tomorrow.”

Trackhouse Racing will be featuring three other cars for the season-opening race, with Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Daniel Suarez also competing at the Daytona 500. The Project 91 car driven by Castroneves will be sponsored by Wendy’s, with Darian Grubb serving as crew chief for the veteran racer in the 200-lap event. Team owner Justin Marks expressed his thoughts about the crossover, saying, “I think race fans around the world will be excited to see Helio in NASCAR’s most prestigious race.”

Will Helio Castroneves put on a good show at the Daytona 500? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!