The idea of guaranteeing certain cars a spot in the Indianapolis 500 has never sat well with race fans, but four-time 500 winner and team co-owner Helio Castroneves would like to see chartered cars guaranteed a slot in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Castroneves argues that the idea of “guaranteed entries” makes sense from a business perspective, particularly now that IndyCar has implemented a charter, or franchise, system that allows teams to amass value independent of their physical assets. In NASCAR, a similar strategy has resulted in skyrocketing valuations.
IndyCar
“When you have the franchise, it helps the valuation of the team,” Castroneves told select media ahead of the 2026 Indy 500. “It’s not only just the toolbox or the shop or the truck. Now, it’s something more.
“I believe we’ll get even better, similar to what NASCAR does to [the] Daytona 500, every franchise has the right to be here. I think that would be …
Go to Source
Author: Elizabeth Blackstock
