The ‘Great American Race,’ has long served as a proving ground for both legendary drivers and fresh talents. This year is nothing new as several key names will be making their mark at the Daytona International Speedway. Among these names, one is of four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves. The Brazilian racing legend is ready to make his NASCAR debut in what could be his final professional outing. Driving the No. 91 Camaro for Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, Castroneves hopes to join the iconic list of drivers who won both the Indy 500 and Daytona 500.

While the opportunity itself is remarkable, the decision behind Castroneves’s inclusion adds another layer of intrigue. Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, recently revealed the six-word guiding philosophy to hire Castroneves. He also revealed why the 49-year-old motorsport legend is best fit for the iconic No.91 seat.

Justin Marks gives verdict on Castroneves

In the last few years, Trackhouse Racing has used Project 91 to field some iconic racers from the globe in NASCAR. After a successful stint with three-time Sprint Car champion Shane Van Gisbergen, Trackhouse decided to field Helio Castroneves in the iconic seat. Speaking about the decision, team owner Justin Marks praised Castroneves for his skills and experience.

“This guy is a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. He’s raced on many ovals in the United States. Even though the car is different, he’s felt the speed, intensity, and pageantry of big events. He’s risen to the occasion under pressure. He fit the mold so well for the Daytona 500,” Marks told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “He’s been on the list since day one,” he further added.

Castroneves’s resume speaks for itself. Apart from his Indy 500 victories, the Brazilian has been a four-time IndyCar championship runner-up. Notably, he is also not new to the Daytona track as he is a three-time Rolex 24 champion. He won these three crowns in three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, he didn’t participate in the event. With this much experience and ability to perform under pressure, Castroneves will be the favorite among open charters.

“It’s going to be like Dancing with the Stars—I’ll follow the lead of the group. It’s a team effort, and I’ll rely on them to achieve the goals we’ve set,” Castroneves tells Davey Segal. He previously had expressed his excitement about the race. “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. I wish the race were tomorrow,” he said in the press release.

Castroneves excitement reflects his dream of participating in the Daytona 500. A few years ago, he said that he would like to compete in the Great American Race before retirement. It’s more interesting that he gets this opportunity through Project 91, which has been bridging the gap in the motorsports world. Trackhouse team owner Justin Marks started this project in 2022 with former Formula 1 champion Kimi Räikkönen.

Räikkönen made two outings in this special car, including one at the Circuit of Americas. He praised Trackhouse Racing for such an opportunity and hoped for more British drivers to join the sport. He had said, “I’m sure there are a lot of drivers that would like a chance to try NASCAR. Maybe Project 91 will open more doors.” However, the biggest success for the No.91 car came in 2023 with SVG.

Gisbergen writes a success story in NASCAR

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Three-time sprint car champion Shane Van Gisbergen won the inaugural race at Chicago Street Circuit with No.91. His performance not only shocked the racing world but also gave much-needed support to Trackhouse’s aim. However, soon SVG made another outing in the car and finished 10th at Indy Road Course.

His performance impressed Trackhouse Racing, who placed him in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. In 2024 he started 33 races and won three while finishing in the top 5 on seven occasions. His success earned him a full-time cup series contract from Trackhouse Racing. He will drive the No.88 Chevrolet in NASCAR’s top division next season.

Speaking about the opportunity, SVG said, “It’s been a pretty awesome 18 months. Yeah, it’s been a huge life change, as Justin said, and everything he said was going to happen has happened. I never thought it would happen this quick and I’m very glad we’ve done the learning year this year in Xfinity. Kaulig Racing has been great to work with, and then also a lot more races to finish the year now. Been a huge learning experience but just excited to get full-time in the Cup Series next year.”

With SVG successfully graduating to the Cup Series Trackhouse Racing will hope a similar run from Helio Castroneves. The team will expect the 49-year-old Brazilian to make a mark and help the team get more than three charters into the final 40. However, Castroneves will find it difficult as competitors like Mike Wallace and Martin Truex Jr (yet to announce) are expected to be in the field.