What started as a promise to find him a seat in the Daytona 500 turned into a reality after nearly three years.

While competing with the now-defunct Superstar Racing Experience, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves was told by CEO Don Hawk that if he won a race with the series, Hawk, who has extensive ties in the NASCAR Cup Series garage, would make Castroneves wish happen.

Sure enough, a victory at Floridas Five Flags Speedway in 2022 was the first major step.

A chance with The Money Team Racings No. 50 opened for the 2023 edition of the Great American Race, however, Castroneves declined due to the quality of the ride.

We didnt think it was going to be a good opportunity, so we decided not to do it, Castroneves said.

Fellow open-wheel driver Conor Daly was tapped to pilot the part-time entry, where he raced his way into the Daytona 500 despite countless hurdles.

Castroneves waited.

Then, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks came along, where the opportunity to pilot the teams No. 91 Chevrolet was a no-brainer decision.

The program, as you guys noticed, Im not the only one doing this, Castroneves said. Its been very well-made, it takes a lot of effort from a lot of people. Im glad that everything fit perfect.

To be in the biggest race, one of the biggest races of the world obviously, Indy 500 and Daytona 500 are the biggest. What an opportunity to be here and do that.

Following the announcement of his entry into the event, the 49-year-old has been fully immersed in stock car racing. Castroneves tested an ARCA Menards Series car in January as hell compete in the series opener on Saturday.

Off the race track, Castroneves has been precise with preparation to ensure a smooth experience as one can have at an unpredictable race track.

Ive been watching a lot of in-car cameras, a lot of the rules to understand the rules, Castroneves explained. Ive been in touch with the guys, as well, to make sure that we are on the same The lingo is different.

Face it, when you come out of the pits, in IndyCar they say, Go, go, go. Here its, Dig, dig, dig. I know it sounds interesting or different. Its completely the opposite that Im used to. I have to adapt. Pit stops here, for example, you have to stop a little bit away from the wall because you have to have the jack guy have space for them to raise the car. IndyCar you get close so the fuel gets as quick as possible.

All these little details, even its a race car, its very different, Castroneves continued. To be in a big race like this, every detail matters. Thats why Im trying to study all of these details to make sure that at least Ill take out of the way and know what to do.

Looking forward, for sure. Every time I said Im in the car, Im going to take the learning.

The steep learning process officially began on Wednesday as Castroneves took his first laps in a Cup Series car during the lone practice session in the afternoon. He clocked in with the 12th-fastest time.

Castroneves later undertook night qualifying at the 2.5-mile oval where he qualified 39th out of 45 cars.

While Castroneves will have to technically race his way into the Daytona 500 during the Daytona Duels on Thursday, hell be able to fall back on the newly introduced provisional in case hes unable to do so.

NASCAR implemented the rule to ensure drivers that hold accolades carrying significant weight like Castroneves are able to make the field.

Who has won the Daytona 500?