CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hello Helio and welcome to the Daytona 500.
Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed a spot 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. Before the Friday change, Castroneves was going to either have to earn his spot in the 40-car field on speed in time trials or finishing position in a qualifying race.
If he failed to do either, the Brazilian would be in the field as a 41st car and four open spots would still remain for drivers hoping to race in the Feb. 16 ''Great American Race.'' Castroneves will be driving for Trackhouse Racing in his NASCAR debut at age 49.
Under the new rule, if the provisional is used, the driver/car owner will not be eligible for race points, playoff points or prize money. Cars that finish below the driver who uses the provisional will have their finishing position adjusted upward one spot and also have their prize money, race points and stage points adjusted.
If the provisional car wins a race and/or stage, that car will be credited with the race win. It will not count toward playoff eligibility. The second-place finisher will inherit first-place points, but will not receive playoff points or playoff eligibility.
Among other changes issued Friday:
Playoff waivers