A controversial new NASCAR rule designed for “world-class drivers" could give Helio Castroneves an automatic berth into the Daytona 500, and, should the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner use the provisional, it would make for the largest field in a decade. It's a complicated rule that was written into the charter agreement that 13 teams signed last September and is similar to a “promoters provisional” in that it gives NASCAR the ability to designate one driver as a guaranteed 41st entry. Three-time Daytona 500 Denny Hamlin said the rule “reeks of desperation” by NASCAR, calling it nothing but a gimmick to attract big stars to stock car racing.
The Daytona 500 has NASCAR’s most unique — and complicated — qualifying format. There are nine drivers — the most since 2015 — vying for those spots: Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, Helio Castroneves, Jimmie Johnson, Corey LaJoie, B.J. McLeod, Chandler Smith, Martin Truex Jr. and J.J. Yeley.
Team Penske continued its reshuffling of leadership positions on Tuesday, naming Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles in the same position at IndyCar, replacing Jay Frye. Frye is out of the organization after 10 years as IndyCar president. Boles has served as president of IMS since 2013, a period that includes the sellout of the 100th Indianapolis 500, the first full-capacity crowd in the event’s history.
In a massive leadership shakeup just weeks until the start of the 2025 season, Doug Boles has been named the president of IndyCar while also maintaining his IMS president role.
