Helio Castroneves, a renowned name in the world of motorsports, is set to make his highly anticipated return to Brazilian racing. The celebrated four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 has officially joined the grid for the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series in 2025. This exciting development comes just ahead of the season opener at the iconic Interlagos circuit, a venue that holds significant importance in Brazilian motorsport history.
As one of Brazil’s most accomplished drivers, Castroneves will be balancing his commitments in Brazil with his ongoing pursuit of a fifth Indy 500 title in the United States. Achieving this milestone would position him as the most successful driver in the history of this prestigious race, further solidifying his legendary status in motorsports.
For the 2025 season, Castroneves will be behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Tracker, representing RTR Sport, a team that is making its debut in the Pro Series. The 2025 season marks a transformative year for the championship, as it introduces SUVs into the mix, replacing the traditional sedans that have long been a staple of the series. Alongside the Chevrolet Tracker, other manufacturers are also entering the fray, including the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross, showcasing a new era in Brazilian stock car racing.
Castroneves expressed his enthusiasm for this new opportunity, stating, “I am very happy with the invitation from Lincoln Oliveira, the CEO of Brazilian Stock Car and the father of F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto. I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer, as I have always been a huge fan of this series. The challenge has intensified with the introduction of the new SUV concept, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
The owner of RTR Sport, Maique Papareli, echoed Castroneves’ sentiments, emphasizing the significance of having such a distinguished driver on their team. “It is an honor to announce Helio Castroneves as the RTR Sport Team driver for the 2025 Stock Car season. His history and talent are remarkable assets to our project. We believe that his experience and commitment will lead us to exceptional results and contribute to the growth of our team in Brazil’s premier motorsport category.”
Castroneves’ return to Brazilian racing is particularly noteworthy, as his last full season in Brazil dates back to 1994 when he finished as the runner-up in the national Formula 3 championship. Following that, he embarked on an international career that took him to Europe and ultimately to the United States, where he achieved remarkable success. In addition to his four Indy 500 victories, he has also claimed three wins at the Daytona 24 Hours and secured the IMSA title in 2020.
While this will be Castroneves’ first full-time season in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series, he has previous experience in the championship. His inaugural race in the series took place in 2012 during the Interlagos Million Race, where he finished in 14th place. He was also slated to compete in the 2013 round in his hometown of Ribeirão Preto, but a crash during practice prevented him from participating in the race.
Castroneves will not be the only celebrated figure on the 2025 Stock Car Pro Series grid. He will join a host of other Brazilian motorsport legends, including two-time champion Rubens Barrichello, 2024 runner-up Felipe Massa, the first-ever Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr., and former Formula 1 driver Ricardo Zonta. Additionally, the grid will feature seasoned competitors like three-time champions Daniel Serra and Gabriel Casagrande.
The lineup for the 2025 Stock Car Pro Series promises to be both competitive and thrilling, as fans can anticipate an exciting blend of established stars and emerging talent. The introduction of SUVs into the series adds a fresh dynamic, and teams are eager to adapt their strategies to the new vehicles. The transition from sedans to SUVs represents a significant shift in the championship, and it will be intriguing to see how drivers, teams, and manufacturers respond to this change.
The teams participating in the 2025 season include a mix of experienced outfits and newcomers. RTR Sport, with Helio Castroneves at the helm, is set to make a strong impression in its debut year. Other teams on the grid include Chiarelli, Crown Racing, TMG, Eurofarma-RC, RCM, A. Mattheis Vogel, Blau, and Cavaleiro, each fielding competitive lineups with talented drivers.
For example, Chiarelli will field drivers Caca Bueno and Lucas Kohl in their Chevrolet Tracker, while Crown Racing will represent Toyota with Julio Campos and Arthur Leist in the Corolla Cross. TMG has secured the services of Felipe Massa alongside Rafael Suzuki, further enhancing the competitive nature of the series.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 Stock Car Pro Series continues to build as fans look forward to a season filled with action, drama, and high-octane racing. With a diverse grid featuring some of Brazil’s most iconic motorsport figures and a new generation of talent, the stage is set for an unforgettable year.
In conclusion, Helio Castroneves’ participation in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series signifies not only a personal milestone in his illustrious career but also a pivotal moment for the championship itself. As the series evolves with the introduction of SUVs, it promises to deliver captivating racing for fans both in Brazil and around the world. The combination of Castroneves’ experience and the excitement of the new format is sure to make the 2025 season one of the most memorable in the history of Brazilian motorsports.
