51-year-old Helio Castroneves aims for a record fifth Indy 500 victory, posting the second-fastest speed during practice at 226.977 mph. He seeks to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest winner in Indy 500 history.
Key points
Helio Castroneves is 51 years old
He aims for a record fifth Indy 500 victory
Castroneves posted a speed of 226.977 mph during practice
He is tied for the most Indy 500 wins in history
Castroneves could become the oldest winner in Indy 500 history
Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayHelio CastronevesIndy 500
51-year-old Helio Castroneves has Indy 500 desire to 'go to the Guinness book'
The four-time Indy 500 champion posted the second-fastest speed of the day at 226.977 mph, another early sign that the 51-year-old still has the pace — and the hunger — as he chases history in his latest return to the Brickyard.
Castroneves is back at IMS for his pursuit in a record-setting fifth Indy 500 victory. He’s already tied with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears for the most wins in race history, having captured the Borg-Warner Trophy in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021. Castroneves also could become the oldest winner, surpassing Unser’s mark from 1987.
And while the results sheet may suggest comfort, Castroneves admitted he still has plenty to learn about the new format and the modern challenge of qualifying up front.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) puts on protective gear in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Q&A
What record is Helio Castroneves trying to achieve at the Indy 500?
Helio Castroneves is aiming for a record-setting fifth Indy 500 victory.
How fast did Helio Castroneves go during Indy 500 practice?
He posted the second-fastest speed of the day at 226.977 mph.
Who does Helio Castroneves need to surpass to become the oldest Indy 500 winner?
He needs to surpass Al Unser Sr.'s record from 1987.
How many Indy 500 victories does Helio Castroneves currently have?
Castroneves currently has four Indy 500 victories.
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Adriano Candido, a crew member with Andretti Global driver Will Power (26), signs autographs Thursday, May 14, 2026, for children from Smoky Row Elementary during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is insane, pretty awesome to be honest,” Candido said. “I was not expecting any of this, to see all the love from the kids.”
The Borg-Warner Trophy sits in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) waves at fans Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A tire sits ready for use in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Ed Carpenter (33) catches a ride through pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) finds a quiet moment alone on the wall in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) signs autographs for Smoky Row Elementary students Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
People watch as cars are pulled through Gasoline Alley on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Alexander Rossi (20) signs an autograph for a Smoky Row Elementary student Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) waits to hit the track Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) walks atop the wall in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) sits down into his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Louis Foster (45) watches track action Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward (5) talks with a crew member Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A.J. Foyt Enterprises driver Santino Ferrucci (14) waves at fans Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) walks through Gasoline Alley with a crew member Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) sits down into his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) suits up Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dale Coyne Racing driver Dennis Hauger (19) walks pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward (5) looks over his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) puts on protective gear in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) puts on protective gear in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Adriano Candido, a crew member with Andretti Global driver Will Power (26), signs autographs Thursday, May 14, 2026, for children from Smoky Row Elementary during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is insane, pretty awesome to be honest,” Candido said. “I was not expecting any of this, to see all the love from the kids.”
3 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
The Borg-Warner Trophy sits in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
4 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Juncos Hollinger Racing driver Rinus Veekay (76) waves at fans Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A tire sits ready for use in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
6 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Ed Carpenter (33) catches a ride through pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
7 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Christian Rasmussen (21) finds a quiet moment alone on the wall in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
8 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Andretti Global driver Marcus Ericsson (28) signs autographs for Smoky Row Elementary students Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
9 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
People watch as cars are pulled through Gasoline Alley on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
10 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Ed Carpenter Racing driver Alexander Rossi (20) signs an autograph for a Smoky Row Elementary student Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) waits to hit the track Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson (8) walks atop the wall in pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
13 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) sits down into his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Louis Foster (45) watches track action Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
15 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward (5) talks with a crew member Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
A.J. Foyt Enterprises driver Santino Ferrucci (14) waves at fans Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
17 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Nolan Siegel (6) walks through Gasoline Alley with a crew member Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian driver Helio Castroneves (06) sits down into his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Mick Schumacher (47) suits up Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
20 / 21
Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Dale Coyne Racing driver Dennis Hauger (19) walks pit lane Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: Drivers take the oval on the third day of practice for the 110th running of the Indy 500
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward (5) looks over his car Thursday, May 14, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m still trying to understand this qualifying to be honest,” Castroneves said.
Castroneves hasn’t qualified inside the top 15 since his 2021 win, and he acknowledged that the evolving design of IndyCar’s superspeedway package has made it increasingly difficult to carve through traffic when starting deep in the field.
“No question, the way they design the cars are changing,” he said. “It’s becoming a little bit harder when you’re starting in the back.”
That’s why the focus for Castroneves and Meyer Shank Racing this month is clear: put themselves in position early.
“That’s the main focus for us,” he said. “Lock in the top 15.”
While the veteran’s ultimate goal remains a fifth trophy, Castroneves said it’s the feeling of driving at IMS that continues to pull him back year after year.
“You know, what motivates me is when I did my first lap on the open test, I went out (on the) back straight and I was like, ‘Oh, I love this. This is the best feeling in the world,’” he said.
Even with some uncertainty entering the month, Castroneves said the car felt better than expected once he climbed back in.
“I was worried about, you know, I’m gonna be feeling a little uncomfortable,” he said. “It was like a glove.”
That comfort — along with the belief in his team — is why Castroneves says he still sees this run as more than just a one-off opportunity.
“That keeps me coming back, and because the opportunity we have it’s so unique, and so incredible I feel that we can’t just pass it alone,” he said. “We gotta keep it going.”
As long as the team remains strong around him, Castroneves said, the pursuit of history is still very much alive.
“I love it,” he said. “I really really love it.”
And if everything comes together on the final Sunday of May, Castroneves knows exactly what the reward would mean — not just to IndyCar history, but to his own legacy.
“I want to keep pushing as hard as I can and hopefully we’re gonna go to the Guinness book,” he said.
