Helio Castroneves
Helio Castroneves
Hélio Castro-Neves, better known as Hélio Castroneves, is a Brazilian auto racing driver competing in the IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 23 wins and 38 poles, and placed second in the season standings four times, third two times and fourth four times. Prior to IndyCar, Castroneves competed in the CART championship, with a highest championship points finish of fourth; he recorded six wins and seven pole positions in the series...
NationalityBrazilian
ProfessionRace Car Driver
Date of Birth10 May 1975
CitySao Paulo, Brazil
CountryBrazil
Wow, I don't even know what to say. Those final ten laps were the hardest in my life. The race reminded me a lot of 2002 when I won my second Indianapolis 500 -- to be able to win the first time in a touring car is just an amazing feeling. I'm so fortunate to have had this opportunity and to have been able to compete with three wonderful drivers. We had a great team and a fantastic car. I just consider myself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time.
I don't think I would be a good actor! People enjoyed 'Dancing With the Stars' because I was myself, and every time they told me to say something, I would say my own words, so I don't think I could follow a script well!
Once I made the top six, it was, 'OK, now it's time to go for it,
Every time you're out there at this place, you're always learning. Obviously, we want to be on top of the charts, but right now you need to be smart, take advantage of this day and put it in your pocket.
Every time you go out on the track, which is very technical and unique, you learn something different. This place, if you keep practicing, keep running and learning every corner, you'll be consistently fast.
The last time we were here, we were backing off and cutting back in power and you could feel it. But everybody's the same out there.
All the drivers know the risks and the dangers, but we're here because we love what we do. It's not the first time it's happened and, unfortunately, it probably won't be the last time.
You have to be smart. He went from hero to zero, getting the pole position and doing what he did.
You aren't going to be able to pass by going past the guy and keep going so it will take quite a while to set up a pass. I will follow him closely and wait for him to make a mistake before I can make the pass. I have a very good car for that. I will also be saving fuel and pick up positions in the pits so I have so many things on my side.
We had some trouble with the engine electronics this afternoon. I still think we're in good shape.
What a team, what a team. I drove it like I stole it.
I don't know what to do anymore. I just wanted to make him earn it on the outside.
I don't know what the heck he was thinking. He just decided to pass everybody in one corner, and he ended up taking everybody out,
I don't know what the heck he was thinking. He decided to pass everybody in one corner, and he ended up taking out everybody.