NASCAR Veteran Had to Explain “Basic Things” to Hélio Castroneves Before the Daytona 500

What’s Happening?

A new report claims that NASCAR Cup Series veteran Daniel Suarez was “explaining ‘very, very basic things'” to four-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Hélio Castroneves prior to his NASCAR debut in the Daytona 500.

• In an in-depth look at the controversy surrounding NASCAR’s driver approval process, Jeff Gluck of the Athletic claims this interaction “alarmed” Suárez, Castroneves’ teammate, whom he was asking for this advice. Castroneves made his long-awaited NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 500. However, this debut would turn controversial for the legendary driver.
• Suarez did not discredit Castroneves, whom he later referred to as a “rock star,” but rather pointed out that Castroneves may not have been ready for the unique world of NASCAR. While NASCAR’s approval at the time was not controversial, the following decisions regarding IMSA veteran/NASCAR rookie Katherine Legge and veteran Mike Wallace have stirred a hot pot of controversy early on this season.
• Castroneves announced he would debut in the Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 No. 91 on Jan. 6, despite no prior NASCAR experience. He would be the first driver to use NASCAR’s controversial new Open Exemption Provisional, a provisional that “guarantees a starting position for world-class drivers” in a NASCAR Cup Series race.
• Despite his lack of experience, NASCAR granted the 31-time open-wheel racing winner a spot in the 500, provided he used Chevrolet’s racing sim, tested a Next Gen car at Talladega, and entered Saturday’s ARCA race. That ARCA race would be the only race Castroneves would finish that weekend, as he crashed out of his duel race and the Daytona 500.

NASCAR’s Approval Controversy

Estepp: “NASCAR Opened Themselves Up to Criticism” Over Approval Process

Estepp: “NASCAR Opened Themselves Up to Criticism” Over Approval Process

Xfinity Series Veteran Details Being Denied Cup Series Debut

Xfinity Series Veteran Details Being Denied Cup Series Debut

Suarez Frustrated With Phoenix Crash in Latest YouTube Video: “What is Wrong is NASCAR”

Suarez Frustrated With Phoenix Crash in Latest YouTube Video: “What is Wrong is NASCAR”

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