Helio Castroneves took the checkered flag in Saturday’s SRX 2022 season opener at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla.
Although he wasn’t even planning on racing, the victory in the event may turn into a future Daytona 500 ride.
Castroneves had a deal with new SRX CEO Don Hawk that included such if the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner could find a SRX victory this year.
Helio Castroneves wasn't even scheduled to race tonight. He literally got on a plane without getting the confirmation that he'd have a car. He just hoped.
Why?
Yeah, if he won a SRX race this year, CEO Don Hawk promised him a NASCAR ride.
It's happening. pic.twitter.com/a6FWvIJlQI
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) June 19, 2022
Whether or not it comes to fruition in 2023 is beside the point. The fact that it’s a possibility brings intrigue at the very least.
The series will return to the track at South Boston next Saturday, for race No. 2 of the sophomore season.
SRX Results
1. #06 – Helio Castroneves
2. #26 – Bubba Pollard
3. #39 – Ryan Newman
4. #6 – Tony Kanaan
5. #18 – Bobby Labonte
6. #69 – Greg Biffle
7. #98 – Marco Andretti
8. #1 – Ryan Hunter-Reay
9. #9 – Bill Elliott
10. #14 – Tony Stewart
11. #5 – Ernie Francis Jr.
12. #3 – Paul Tracy
13. #15 – Michael Waltrip
