NASCAR: Updated 2025 Daytona 500 entry list after Trackhouse news

As an enthusiastic follower, I can’t hide my excitement about the confirmation that Helio Castroneves, four-time Indy 500 champion, is reportedly joining Trackhouse Racing! This team has announced plans for a fourth entry at Daytona International Speedway next month, where Helio aims to qualify for his debut NASCAR Cup Series race. The anticipation is palpable as we watch this legendary racer embark on a new chapter in his storied career!

Helio Castroneves joined the roster as the 40th driver for the upcoming 200-lap race at the Daytona Beach, Florida oval – a four-cornered, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) high-banked track. He’s also the fourth driver confirmed for an open entry. Later on, it was announced that Beard Motorsports will field a fifth car, with Anthony Alfredo slated to drive the No. 62 Chevrolet.

In simpler terms, out of the 36 officially registered racers, all are guaranteed a spot because the maximum number of cars allowed is 40. With 41 drivers currently confirmed, one would expect someone to miss the race (DNQ). However, due to a special “world-class driver” provision, Helio Castroneves will participate regardless of whether he qualifies or not. This means there might be 41 racers in total on the field.

Making further additions to the participant list could undoubtedly mean that not every attendee will be ready to begin the “Great American Race” by waving the green flag.

Let’s have a look at these 41 confirmed entries, starting with the 36 chartered cars.

Chevrolet

Hendrick Motorsports

No. 5 – Kyle Larson
No. 9 – Chase Elliott
No. 24 – William Byron
No. 48 – Alex Bowman

Hyak Motorsports

No. 47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Kaulig Racing

No. 10 – Ty Dillon
No. 16 – A.J. Allmendinger

Richard Childress Racing

No. 3 – Austin Dillon
No. 8 – Kyle Busch

Spire Motorsports

No. 7 – Justin Haley
No. 71 – Michael McDowell
No. 77 – Carson Hocevar

Trackhouse Racing

No. 1 – Ross Chastain
No. 88 – Shane van Gisbergen
No. 99 – Daniel Suarez

Ford

Front Row Motorsports

No. 4 – Noah Gragson
No. 34 – Todd Gilliland
No. 38 – Zane Smith

Haas Factory Team

No. 41 – Cole Custer

RFK Racing

No. 6 – Brad Keselowski
No. 17 – Chris Buescher
No. 60 – Ryan Preece

Rick Ware Racing

No. 51 – Driver TBD (likely Cody Ware)

Team Penske

No. 2 – Austin Cindric
No. 12 – Ryan Blaney
No. 22 – Joey Logano

Wood Brothers Racing

No. 21 – Harrison Burton

Toyota

23XI Racing

No. 23 – Bubba Wallace
No. 35 – Riley Herbst
No. 45 – Tyler Reddick

Joe Gibbs Racing

No. 11 – Denny Hamlin
No. 19 – Chase Briscoe
No. 20 – Christopher Bell
No. 54 – Ty Gibbs

Legacy Motor Club

No. 42 – John Hunter Nemechek
No. 43 – Erik Jones

Now let’s have a look at the five confirmed non-chartered entries.

Chevrolet

Beard Motorsports

No. 62 – Anthony Alfredo

Live Fast Motorsports

No. 78 – B.J. McLeod

NY Racing Team

No. 44 – J.J. Yeley

Trackhouse Racing

No. 91 – Helio Castroneves

Ford

MBM Motorsports

No. 66 – Mike Wallace

It appears that the unconfirmed entries, exceeding 41 in total and guaranteeing at least one driver who won’t qualify, suggest that Legacy Motor Club might field car number 84 with team co-owner Jimmie Johnson once more.

It’s possible that Richard Childress Racing might also include their partial-time entry, the No. 33 Chevrolet, and Rick Ware Racing could operate the No. 15 Ford, which was once a chartered entry before Rick Ware Racing leased out its charter to RFK Racing.

As an ardent fan, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Team AmeriVet potentially taking the wheel of the No. 50 Chevrolet. Plus, there’s Martin Truex’s Toyota entry that’s been buzzing around, and it seems like it might have backing from Tricon Garage, with Joe Gibbs Racing lending a hand.

That means there could be as many as 10 open entries vying for the open spots.

On Sunday, February 16, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the 67th annual Daytona 500 will air live on Fox from the Daytona International Speedway. Earlier events include single-car qualifying on Wednesday, February 12, and two Bluegreen Vacations Duel races, which will be broadcast live on Fox starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 13.

2025-01-11 16:32