By: Spencer Neff
March 17, 2026

Two drivers who have combined to win six Indianapolis 500s in 43 total starts were confirmed as entrants for May 24’s 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

On Tuesday morning, Meyer Shank Racing announced that driver and team co-owner Helio Castroneves will return to the No. 06 entry.

Castroneves, who became the fourth driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times in 2021, will continue his “Drive for Five” as he teams with full-time drivers Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong.

Castroneves also won in 2001, 2002 and 2009. He’s also started on the pole four times (2003, 2007, 2009-2010).

“The drive for five is still alive!” Castroneves said this morning in the announcent on X.

Last year, Castroneves started 22nd and finished 10th, while also recording the fastest lap of the race on Lap 175 (226.178 mph-39.7916 seconds).

“We’re going to be ready for the Indy 500. Let’s get ready together.”

Castroneves’ record-tying 2021 victory was Meyer Shank Racing’s first and to date only victory as part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Earlier this afternoon, Rahal Letterman Lanigan confirmed Takuma Sato will once again race the No. 75 at the Indianapolis 500.

“The moment the checkered flag fell at the 2025 Indy 500, our preparation for the 110th running had already begun,” Sato noted on Tuesday.

I’m incredibly excited to continue this journey with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as we take on unfinished business.

Sato, who looks to make his 18th Indianapolis 500, has won in 2017 (Castroneves finished second) and in 2020, the latter being with RLLR. Seven of his appearances in the race have been with RLLR, including five of the last seven years.

“Last year, we showed tremendous speed and strong potential. Now, we return even more focused, more prepared, and more determined. The Indy 500 is always special, but this year carries extra excitement. I can’t wait to reunite with the team, see all the familiar faces, and start building momentum toward May.”

In 2025, Sato qualified a career-best second and led a race-high 51 laps, ultimately finishing ninth.

“We are thrilled to have Takuma back with the team for the Indy 500,” Car Co-Owner Bobby Rahal added.

“If there is a place he knows his way around, it’s Indy. He did a fabulous job in qualifying last year and it was just a shame what happened in the race because I think, clearly, he was the class of the field. He is a forever young guy and he brings a lot of positive energy to the team and everyone feeds off of that.”

Sato is the only RLLR driver to start on the front row at the Indianapolis 500 since the organization’s 2004 victory with Buddy Rice. In addition to last year, Sato qualified third in his 2020 victory.

Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR