Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed one of the four open spots in the season-opening Daytona 500 as part of a slew of rule changes NASCAR announced Friday. Castroneves is guaranteed a spot in the field under a new provision that earmarks a starting position for what NASCAR called "world-class drivers" who enter a Cup Series race.

Starting in 2025, star drivers who haven't competed in NASCAR are eligible to automatically qualify for a Cup Series race.

With his illustrious racing career expanding, Hélio Castroneves made a bet. Should the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion win in his Superstar Racing Experience debut, then-SRX director Don Hawk told him he’d start making connections in NASCAR.

Helio Castroneves, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the more popular drivers of his generation, will make his NASCAR debut in next month’s Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500, Trackhouse Racing announced Monday. Castroneves will drive a car fielded by Trackhouse Racing.

Castroneves will have to qualify on time for both the ARCA 200 and Daytona 500 as both races have seen relatively large entry lists.

The four-time Indy 500 winner will have more seat time for 2025 Helio Castroneves is set to run the Daytona 500 in February. It will be his first career start in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing.

Castroneves has accomplished a lot over his incredible racing career. Even with his winning resume including the Indy 500 and Rolex 24, he'll have a lot to learn to earn a spot in NASCAR's crown jewel event.

To prepare for his attempt in the 2025 Daytona 500, Helio Castroneves will compete in the ARCA Daytona 200, driving the No. 82 for Pinnacle Racing Group.