Castroneves relishes 'roller coaster' Daytona Speedweeks experience

Helio Castroneves laughed when he admitted that his Daytona Speedweeks experience was a “roller coaster” after it ended with a crash in the Daytona 500.

Castroneves was collected in a multi-car crash in Turn 1 on lap 71. The outside lane stacked up when leader Joey Logano didn’t launch well on the restart because of a mechanical issue. Castroneves was hit from behind by Martin Truex Jr. and might have been fine had Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain not been spun into his left rear.

“It broke the axle,” Castroneves said. “[I’m] disappointed, of course, because I was learning so much. It’s incredible when you have more laps into it and how to understand the airflow, the guys [and] what they’re doing to save fuel. There were some sketchy moments, but, ah, what a shame. I wish I was still out there because there is still more to understand and more to learn, and I have started to get a little more comfortable with the whole process.

“But it is what it is.”

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Castroneves was the 41st entry into the Daytona 500 for his Cup Series debut. He will finish 39th.

The crash was not his first of the week, unfortunately. Castroneves was also involved in an incident during his Thursday night qualifying duel and was in multiple incidents in the ARCA Menards Series race he competed in on Saturday afternoon.

“A roller coaster,” the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion laughed when asked about his foray into stock car racing. “I guess the medical guys just showed me my vitals; it’s very consistent, so I’m in pretty good shape. At the end of the day, this has been incredible.

“I just can’t thank enough the fans, especially. The fans have been absolutely outstanding. It was definitely an opportunity and experience that I’ll never forget.”

Castroneves said he got everything out of the experience that he hoped.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Every time you get in the car, you never want to get out before the checker. Unfortunately, that’s the scenario. However, look, I can’t take this for granted. Justin Marks, I can’t thank him enough, Trackhouse, Project 91 -- for putting this incredible opportunity together, and hopefully it keeps doing.”

There's no further NASCAR plans for Castroneves at the moment, but he says he would like to eventually make a return.

“I’d love to, especially [on] a road course,” he said. “Now that I understand a little bit more. My seat is good. Now that I have gone through the whole process I wish I would have had a little more seat time. I was having a good time there. I was understanding a lot. Darn it, what a tough break.”