In a groundbreaking moment for NASCAR, Team Trackhouse will make history in the 2025 Daytona 500 by fielding drivers from four different countries in the same race. The organization’s unique lineup highlights its commitment to broadening NASCAR’s international appeal and introducing new talent to the sport’s biggest stage.
Representing four nations—the United States, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico—Team Trackhouse’s diverse roster showcases the global reach of motorsports and NASCAR’s ongoing evolution as a world-class racing series.
The Lineup
Here’s a closer look at the drivers who will take to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for Team Trackhouse:
• 🇺🇸 Ross Chastain (#1): Hailing from Alva, Florida, Chastain is a homegrown NASCAR star who has established himself as a championship contender. Known for his aggressive racing style and fearless moves, Chastain will lead the team’s efforts in the Daytona 500.
• 🇳🇿 Shane van Gisbergen (#88): A three-time Supercars champion from New Zealand, van Gisbergen has quickly made a name for himself in NASCAR after stunning the motorsports world with a win in his Cup Series debut on the streets of Chicago in 2023. His adaptability and road racing prowess make him a fascinating addition to the Daytona 500 field.
• 🇧🇷 Hélio Castroneves (#91): The legendary four-time Indianapolis 500 winner from Brazil will make his NASCAR debut at the Daytona 500 as part of Trackhouse’s PROJECT91 initiative. Castroneves’ charisma, talent, and experience on the world’s biggest stages add a new layer of excitement to the race.
• 🇲🇽 Daniel Suárez (#99): Mexico’s first full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, Suárez continues to break barriers as he chases his first Daytona 500 victory. A fan favorite and proven winner, Suárez’s presence represents the growing popularity of NASCAR in Latin America.
A Historic Moment for NASCAR
Trackhouse Racing’s international lineup marks a pivotal moment in NASCAR’s history, further signaling the sport’s shift toward global inclusivity. While international drivers have competed in NASCAR for decades, this is the first time an organization has fielded such a diverse team in a single race.
Team co-owner Justin Marks, the visionary behind Trackhouse, expressed pride in the lineup. “When we started Trackhouse, one of our goals was to transcend borders and bring new eyes to NASCAR. This lineup is proof of what’s possible when we embrace the global nature of motorsports,” Marks said. “Having drivers from four different countries in one race isn’t just a milestone for Trackhouse—it’s a milestone for NASCAR.”
The Challenge Ahead
While the lineup is historic, the challenge of competing in the Daytona 500 is immense. The 200-lap race is notorious for its unpredictability, with drafting, pit strategy, and the ever-present threat of “The Big One” playing a crucial role in the outcome.
Chastain’s superspeedway experience, van Gisbergen’s adaptability, Castroneves’ ability to perform under pressure, and Suárez’s consistency make this a formidable lineup. However, the international drivers, particularly Castroneves and van Gisbergen, will need to quickly adapt to NASCAR’s unique drafting dynamics and pack racing at Daytona.
Fans and Global Appeal
The lineup has sparked excitement among fans worldwide, with many hailing Trackhouse’s bold approach. For international audiences, the inclusion of van Gisbergen, Castroneves, and Suárez provides a direct connection to the Daytona 500, offering an opportunity to cheer for drivers from their home countries.
Social media has already been abuzz with discussions about the historic roster, with fans praising Trackhouse for its forward-thinking vision.
What to Watch
The 2025 Daytona 500 promises to be a thrilling race, with Team Trackhouse’s international lineup adding an extra layer of intrigue. Can Castroneves make a splash in his NASCAR debut? Will van Gisbergen continue to defy expectations? And can Suárez or Chastain deliver a Daytona 500 win for Trackhouse?
Whatever the outcome, Team Trackhouse has already cemented its place in NASCAR history before the green flag even drops. Fans will be watching closely as the team takes on the 67th running of The Great American Race on February 16, 2025.
