NASCAR has updated its qualification procedures for the 2025 Daytona 500, particularly concerning the inclusion of Open teams—those without charters. The revised format stipulates that, in addition to the 36 chartered teams guaranteed entry, four Open cars will secure spots: two through the Duel races and two based on qualifying speeds.
Updated Qualification Structure:
Formula 1 Driver Could Make His NASCAR Debut After Missing Out 4 Years Ago **Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91** Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut. — ### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars** Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1. Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR. — ### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity** Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut. In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series. — ### **Challenges and Logistics** Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar. Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine. — ### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR** Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart. — ### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment** For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer. If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.
• Chartered Teams: All 36 chartered teams retain automatic entry into the Daytona 500, ensuring their participation without the need for additional qualification.
• Open Teams: A total of four spots are allocated to Open teams:
• Duel Races: The top two finishing Open cars in the Duel races will earn entry.
• Qualifying Speeds: The two fastest Open cars from the single-car qualifying sessions, not already qualified through the Duels, will also secure positions.
This structure maintains a 40-car field for the Daytona 500, balancing guaranteed entries with opportunities for non-chartered teams to compete.
Potential Impact of Legal Proceedings:
The ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR adds a layer of complexity to this qualification process. In December 2024, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell granted a preliminary injunction allowing these teams to compete as chartered teams in the 2025 season, effectively preserving their guaranteed entries.
However, NASCAR’s recent motion to dismiss the lawsuit was denied, and the case is proceeding through the legal system. Should NASCAR succeed in overturning the injunction or achieving a favorable ruling, the status of these teams could revert to non-chartered, potentially altering the allocation of Open spots and affecting the qualification dynamics for the Daytona 500.
Implications for Teams and Drivers:
Teams currently classified as Open must focus on optimizing their performance in both the Duel races and single-car qualifying sessions to secure one of the limited spots. The legal uncertainties surrounding the charter status of certain teams further intensify the competitive landscape, as any changes could redefine the entry list composition.
As the 2025 Daytona 500 approaches, teams and stakeholders must navigate both the updated qualification rules and the implications of ongoing legal proceedings. The evolving situation underscores the dynamic nature of NASCAR’s regulatory environment and its impact on team strategies leading up to the season’s marquee event.
Related Posts: Formula 1 Driver Could Make His NASCAR Debut After Missing Out 4 Years Ago **Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91** Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut. — ### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars** Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1. Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR. — ### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity** Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut. In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series. — ### **Challenges and Logistics** Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar. Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine. — ### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR** Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart. — ### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment** For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer. If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.