Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed one of the four open spots in the season-opening Daytona 500 as part of a slew of rule changes NASCAR announced Friday. Castroneves is guaranteed a spot in the field under a new provision that earmarks a starting position for what NASCAR called "world-class drivers" who enter a Cup Series race.

Starting in 2025, star drivers who haven't competed in NASCAR are eligible to automatically qualify for a Cup Series race.

Castroneves will have to qualify on time for both the ARCA 200 and Daytona 500 as both races have seen relatively large entry lists.

Daytona 500 is bound to be a sizzling event. The post Helio Castroneves: Meet 4x Indy 500 Champ and Trackhouse Racing’s Daytona 500 Ringer appeared first on EssentiallySports.