Daytona Beach, Fla. — Just days before the green flag waves at the 2025 Daytona 500, NASCAR fans received news of a last-minute driver change that has altered the entry list for “The Great American Race.” The swap adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
The Driver Change
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.
The No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet will now be driven by NASCAR veteran Ryan Newman, replacing up-and-coming driver Austin Hill. The team cited strategic reasons for the change, emphasizing Newman’s vast experience and proven success at superspeedways, including a prior Daytona 500 victory in 2008.
“Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to our team,” said Beard Motorsports team owner Mark Beard Jr. in a statement. “We believe he gives us the best chance to perform well in the Daytona 500 and make a strong push to qualify through the Duel races.”
Hill, a talented driver who excelled in the Xfinity Series, expressed disappointment but showed understanding of the team’s decision. “I’m grateful for the opportunity Beard Motorsports gave me, and while I’m disappointed to step out of the car, I fully support their choice and wish Ryan and the team the best,” Hill said.
Updated 2025 Daytona 500 Entry List
The change means the official entry list now features 42 drivers vying for a spot in the 40-car field, with several open teams needing to qualify through the Duel races. Here is the updated list of notable entries:
Chartered Entries
1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports, No. 5 Chevrolet
2. Joey Logano – Team Penske, No. 22 Ford
3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 11 Toyota
4. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports, No. 9 Chevrolet
5. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing, No. 23 Toyota
6. Martin Truex Jr. – Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 19 Toyota
7. Kevin Harvick – Stewart-Haas Racing, No. 4 Ford (in his farewell season)
8. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing, No. 1 Chevrolet
9. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing, No. 45 Toyota
10. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports, No. 24 Chevrolet
Open Entries (Must Qualify Through Duels)
1. Ryan Newman – Beard Motorsports, No. 62 Chevrolet
2. Zane Smith – Front Row Motorsports, No. 36 Ford
3. Travis Pastrana – 23XI Racing, No. 67 Toyota
4. Chandler Smith – Kaulig Racing, No. 13 Chevrolet
5. Jimmie Johnson – Legacy Motor Club, No. 84 Chevrolet
The Duel Races Loom Large
With only four open spots available in the Daytona 500, the Duel races will be the make-or-break moment for teams like Beard Motorsports and drivers like Newman. The two 150-mile qualifying races, held on Thursday before the main event, will determine which open teams secure a starting spot in the race.
Newman, known as “The Rocket Man” for his qualifying prowess, is expected to be a strong contender in the Duels. However, he will face tough competition from experienced drivers like Jimmie Johnson and young talents like Chandler Smith.
The Stage is Set
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off, the Daytona 500 entry list now reflects a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and intriguing storylines. With Ryan Newman’s last-minute addition and the looming Duel races, fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement before the field is finalized for the sport’s biggest race.
The Daytona 500 is scheduled to take place on February 16, 2025, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
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.
