Helio Castroneves and Trackhouse Racing plan to use NASCAR’s new Open Exemption Provisional to guarantee a spot in the 2025 Daytona 500, as confirmed by NASCAR on Friday.

Introduced as part of a series of competition updates for the 2025 season, the Open Exemption Provisional ensures a starting position for “world-class drivers” entering a NASCAR Cup Series event. This rule, akin to the “promoter’s choice provisional” seen in short-track and dirt racing, aims to secure high-profile driver participation in major races.

Castroneves qualifies for the provisional as a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion and a three-time Rolex 24 winner at Daytona. His entry in the No. 91 Chevrolet under Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 initiative was announced on January 6.

If the provisional is used, the Daytona 500 grid will expand to 41 cars, up from the usual 40. However, rules stipulate that Castroneves and Trackhouse would forgo points, prize money, and finishing position tiebreaker benefits. Should Castroneves win, the No. 91 car would claim the trophy and become eligible for the All-Star Race, but the victory wouldn’t count toward playoff eligibility. The second-place finisher would receive first-place points but no playoff points or eligibility.

Teams must inform NASCAR 90 days before an event to activate the provisional. Trackhouse Racing, aware of this provision when the new Charter agreement was drafted, submitted their request within the deadline.

Additionally, Castroneves will compete in the Feb. 15 Daytona ARCA 200, driving the No. 82 Pinnacle Racing Group Chevrolet. He recently completed an ARCA test at Daytona, recording the 27th-fastest speed at 179.465 mph during the two-day session.

The 67th Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.