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!
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.
Once I made the top six, it was, 'OK, now it's time to go for it,
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.
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.
It was very weird. There were some wet spots. I put rain tires, dry tires, rain tires. I kept on going back and forth. It was very hard to find balance. Toward the end I felt comfortable.
The way I see it, we're pushing each other. Sharing information is good because it's going to make both cars better. I think our team and the way it works is the right chemistry and the right combination, and we're looking to keep doing the right thing.
The way boxers are ready to attack is the same way we must be ready to attack the steering wheel.
Everything is going the way we are planning but until the checkered flag, you can't count on it. Today, we are extremely happy. That's what we need to be thinking about and enjoy this moment.
Sam is a truly competitive driver. Yes, I want to beat him and he wants to beat me. But at the end of the day, we want both cars up there and we want to make the boss happy.
I was trying to go as fast as I could. I didn't know I was in the lead. I was this close to the wall.
I tell you, if we would be like NASCAR - have bumpers - for sure I would have won the race. But this is not NASCAR.