Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is set to expand his racing repertoire by participating in the ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Castroneves will drive the No. 82 car for Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) in the Daytona ARCA 200, scheduled for February 15, 2025.
This endeavor serves as a preparatory step for Castroneves’ upcoming attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 entry. By competing in the ARCA race, he aims to gain valuable experience in stock car racing, particularly on the high banks of Daytona. Castroneves expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “I am looking forward to ARCA racing. I think getting as much seat time as possible will help in our preparation for the Daytona 500, plus I have watched ARCA races in the past on television and they look like a lot of fun.”
Pinnacle Racing Group, a team that has shown promise in the ARCA Menards Series, will field the No. 82 car as a companion entry to their full-time No. 28 car driven by Brenden Queen. The collaboration with Castroneves not only brings a wealth of experience to the team but also adds a significant spotlight to their Daytona campaign.
Castroneves’ participation in the ARCA race underscores his commitment to adapting to the nuances of stock car racing. Known predominantly for his open-wheel success, including four victories at the Indianapolis 500 and multiple wins in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, this venture marks a significant addition to his diverse racing portfolio.
The Daytona ARCA 200 is a pivotal event that often features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, making it an ideal platform for Castroneves to acclimate to the stock car environment. His involvement is anticipated to draw considerable attention, potentially elevating the profile of the race and the ARCA series as a whole.
As the racing community eagerly awaits Castroneves’ ARCA debut, his performance will be closely watched as an indicator of how his skills translate to stock car racing ahead of his Daytona 500 attempt. Success in the ARCA race could bolster his confidence and readiness for the challenges of NASCAR’s premier event.
For a visual overview of Castroneves’ upcoming NASCAR debut, you can watch the following video:
