Pictures
VideosHello Everyone,
I’m writing the first Blog entry for the new website. Sorry it took so long, but we wanted to make it fun for you.
The site is launching on August 18th (Monday), and it’s currently in “TEST DRIVE MODE”. Only a few pages are active already, pretty much the RACING area is online at the moment. But don’t worry, every day we are going to add more and more stuff! Tons of pictures, videos, news, blog entries by myself and the crew at Castroneves Racing.
Expect changes every day!
Please test the website, let us know what you think. In the mean time I’ll be writing more over the week before heading to Sonoma.
Valeu,
Helio
Hi Helio. Hope you’re keeping busy during this off season. I’ll bet you’re happy Massa won today’s race in Brazil. I was rooting for him to win, but–gasp–for Hamilton to win the championship. Hang in there and keep your chin up. Many of us, your fans, are hoping to see you around somewhere, anywhere, as soon as possible. Even if it’s not soon, I will not forget how much your spirit lifted up my spirit. I’m still keeping you and your family in my prayers and hope this ordeal will end swiftly. May God bless all of you with serenity.
Hi Helio, I’m a mom of a 35 year old and know -0- about your racing career. I first saw you on Dancing with the Stars. I kept telling my son that you were doing a wonderful job…you would be the winner. I think I embarrased my son bragging on you so much. Sorry, I have not kept up with your racing career but I do wish you the very best in all your races…stay safe. I hated to hear about the IRS problem. The mom in me says, “get some good legal help the is willing to help you and not themselves”. Best Wishes in all your races***Stay Safe***Keep Smiling***Keep on Dancing too!
A mom who loves your smile:)
Helio, Just want you to know that you are quite an inspiration! What a true spirit you are!
It has been such a joy to watch you both on the race track and the dance floor.
You have inspired me to want to learn how to dance! You have also inspired me to FINALLY go see a race. I FINALLY got to meet you in KY this past August. You are even more handsome in person!!!!
Good luck and best wishes to you and your family during this IRS mess! Just know that your fans love and believe in you and you will come out the winner that you are!!!!
Please stay safe and God Bless! Good luck in Australia!!!
Love, Amy
Helio-Congratulations on the Petit Le Mans P2 Win. We love you despite the media attack you’re facing. You’ve proven you’re a great race car driver in any venue, as well as a great sport, and all around nice person. Keep smiling and believing and everything will go your way. With so many sports legends facing controversy in this world, consider this an opportunity for you to really make an impression with not only your fans, but also with the young sports enthusiasts who are looking for role models that they can aspire to become. How you handle this public challenge is no different from how you handle the race where you’ve been penalized and start last. We want to see you win this one too. We know you can do it.
Ola Helio, seu site esta “Sensacional”, “CREIA DEUS E CONTIGO”, tudo que passamos na vida faz parte das “PROVAS” concedida por Deus, prova que vc ja esta acostumado, acelerando sempre, e creia que desta prova voce saira “VENCEDOR”, como sempre… O que te faz Vencedor Helio e a sua Sensibilidade e Humildade, resultado = Trinunfo e sempre Vencedor em todos os planos da Vida e em todas as Carreas, fique com Deus e Sorte muita Sorte nas proximas corridas e um 2009 com muitos Exitos e Realizacoes, Vencedor sempre Vencedor em Crito Jesus!!!, que Ele te Abencoe Proteja e te Guarde um grande abraco,
MARA COSTA
OLA HELIO, HOJE, APESAR DE TODOS OS PROBLEMAS QUE INFRENTO, SINTO ORGULHO DE SER BRASILEIRA POR VOCE E PELO PELO ESPORTE DO NOSSO PAIS “BRASIL”, E CREIA QUE DEUS E BRASILEIRO E ESTA COM VOCE CREIA E NAO TEMA NUNCA, ISSO QUE PASSOU E SO MAIS UMA “PROVA” DA SUA VIDA, PROVA ESTA QUE VOCE SAIRA VENCENDOR COMO EM TODAS, E VOCE E NUMERO UM EM NOSSOS CORACOES, E PARA DEUS VOCE E MUITO “ESPECIAL”, SE VE QUE VOCE E UM SER HUMANO, SENSIVEL, HONESTO E SINCERO E ACIMA DE TUDO “HUMILDE” E E ATRAVES DE HOMENS COMO VOCE QUE DEUS MOSTRA QUE E CONTIGO!!!! PECO A DEUS POR TI E QUE ELE TE ABENCOE SEMPRE, FIQUE COM DEUS E BOA SORTE, DA SUA AMIGA BRASILEIRA.
MARA COSTA
Hi Helio,
Not sure if you remember me, but I was responsible for your pit fire safety at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Just wanted to tell you that it was a pleasure working with your crew. Not to mention how “fan friendly” you were during the trials and after the race.
My family had taped the race and my wife shows the kids how you faced adversity with class and respect for all.
Hope to see you back next year.
I’ll be there as well…suited up and ready to go…
Caio,
Tom
Hi Helio
I just wanted to congratulate you once again. I’m the lady behind the desk at Chicagoland. I’d like to give you the 10 minutes you wanted for yourself after the race. It was a pleasure to shake your hand and see your smile; you are such a character! I was going to whisper something in your ear, but probably would have lost my job. My question to you would be ‘Do you get tired of being told where to be, what to do and when; or do you take it in stride as part of the job?’ I did feel sorry for you that day. I’ve enjoyed watching you in our media center over the years. We don’t name favorites either for NASCAR or IRL, but I watch Indy Racing far more than ever. Looking forward to seeing you next year.
Helio, I see that you will be in the ALMS. Terrific! It sounded like an awful long time to wait to see you race again until Oct. 26th at Surfers Paradise. Now we only have to wait til Oct. 4th to have the pleasure of watching you race again. That is a big relief. Your fans get Helio-withdrawal so its really good news to find some relief sooner. As always, best of luck!
Hi Helio, You are without a doubt a champion, a hero and an all around loved and respected guy! Just read all the good things people write to and about you. I can’t believe I missed all those years watching you race. Not til a year ago on DWTS did so many of us first get to watch you and now cant quit!!! DWTS picked the right guy to be on the show, you did so much for it and for the IRL, and for us too. So many new and forever fans! Your attitude, personality , extraordinary talents, (and dont forget a gorgeous smile) are simply irresistable!!!!
Huge congratulations for a wonderful year, Helio! The IRL owes you a giant debt of gratitude for attracting a massive new audience to the league with your fantastic attitude and matchless driving skill. Your kind, humble, positive personality is so inspirational. Your accomplishment at Chicago was miraculous and I feel that you were robbed in Detroit. Just know that there are people praying for you in Peoria, Illinois and all over the world, and we thank God for protecting you. I wish you had a safer profession — you could be successful at anything. Many blessings to you and your family always!
Finally, this website is great, have been waiting for one. Congratulations on your win in Chicago, I knew you could do it. Hopefully we can purchase more Helio hats, shirts and stickers on this website. Can’t wait til next season. Again you are a real winner and a wonderful dancer.
Helio, I like the new site very much. The previous site was very cool and will be a challenge to match for fun and info. Really enjoyed getting to meet you at Iowa Speedway. You were very professional and gracious - and not all of your IRL compatriots are. It must be hard not to let all the fame spoil you. Here’s hoping for more 1st places finishes - 2nd is nice, but come on! Blessings . . .
Congratulations Helio on your win at Chicago and for a thrilling finish to the INDYCar season. Your perseverance, and that of your team, is admirable and inspiring.
Your positive attitude serves you well and, of course, attracts many appreciative fans.
The smartest words you have ever uttered to the television audience are, “I have nothing smart to say right now.” Said with a smile, tough as it might have been, they marked you as a true champion.
Thank you and I am looking forward to next year.
Bill Mund
St. Louis, MO
@Pam:
Helio is truly amazing as his showing today of starting in the back and going to the from and as the mother of one of the pit crew …let me say how proud I am of them and the work they do each and every race….CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU ON A GREAT YEAR!!
Helio,
Congrats on a great win today in Chicago, from last to first!! You are THE MAN!!!
I have to tell you I have an African Gray Parrot who is a fan of yours also, I ask him “Who’s your favorite race car driver Fred? and he answers “Helio”, he also cheers you on during races with “come on Helio!”. You can bet we were cheering you on today!!
You are a champion in my eyes always and we love you in Holland, NY!!!
Stay safe and congrats on a great season, we will be cheering you on in Surfers Paradise and can’t wait til next year, plans are to go to races in Richmond, Watkins Glen and Toronto!
Pam
Helio, simply a heck of a job today, all year for that matter. Look forward to a great 2009.
Congratulation Helio!You did amazing job all sezone long, today especialy ,moving from last to first was awesome.Juliane is my favorite every sezone. Watching her dancing with you was out of this world and now I’m big fan of DWTS and INDY.I wish you best and hope to see you next sezone.Take care.
Awesome job Helio! You should be very proud of yourself. I really wish you would have won the Championship. But everything you did this year and today proves that you are a true Champion. Hope you will be racing in Australia. Enjoy your time off. Again, great job today and all season long. Best Wishes, Chris.
@carrie aka pocahontas: Awesome job Helio! You should be very proud of yourself. I really wish you would have won the Championship. But everything you did this year and today proves that you are a true Champion. Hope you will be racing in Australia. Enjoy your time off. Again, great job today and all season long. Best Wishes, Chris.
Helio, Congrats on your wins at Sonoma and Chicago. Making your way from the back of the pack and holding on for the win illustrates what a great driver you are. And, above that, your attitude throughout the year has been the best. Have a great off season. I’m looking forward to 2009 already!
HELIO….THAT WAS BRILLIANT! Your run from last to first was SIMPLY SPECTACULAR! I totally DISAGREE with last week’s ridiculous penalty…..if BB is going to hand out penalties for defensive driving…then do it across the board…..they all drive defensively at times! It doesn’t matter that the ‘numbers’ didn’t quite add up to the IRL ‘Champion’ standard…..you are C*H*A*M*P*I*O*N in our hearts, and always will be! Huge Congratulations to your Black Knights, to Tim, and especially the Captain! Thanks for the great memories you’ve given us this year, I can’t wait to see you racing again in ‘09! Blessings!
Helio. No matter what happens today at the race today I will still love ya. I have faith in you. My husband and I have been following you for years now. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Richmond this year. It was amazing. I have some great pictures of you. It was weird not seeing Sam there. I follow him as well. My boys enjoy watching you. My youngest told me that he wants to race. You are very nice down to earth good looking. I enjoyed watching you on dancing with the stars. That was awsome. Can’t wait to see you next year at Richmond
Hola Helio!
I was so sad because I had to sell my tickets and I started a new job that I couldnt take the day off work to go. It was a bummer. Are you going to put something on your website for fans to email you questions? Your website looks great!! 
My fingers are crossed for the race in Chicago!!!! 
:) -Carrie
I wanted to come out and watch you at Belle Isle this year, I had tickets already bought in January of this year but I couldnt go
Helio, You are so awesome, no matter what the outcome of the Belle Isle race nothing can take away the fact you are a class act and a very special person. Of course you were robbed. We all felt the frustration with you. You did everything you could and you were clearly the best racer out there and to have the win taken away from you like that is an outrage! Whatever, you are still #1 to all your fans and we will love you forever.
I forgot to add this: Remember that Scott Dixon finished 12th in Sonoma and he didn’t look good today, largely owing to the terrific strategy by your team, Team Penske. You guys are awesome!
Helio, great racing today. Sorry you were robbed. This is my first year of watching IRL for the entire season, and it was wrong that they did not give you a warning. You should read the Penske Inside Lane fan forum, Belle Isle thread, because we’re all behind you 100%.
you are always a winner to us! you are also a #1 class act
Hi Helio!
Wonderful race in Sonoma. I was there rooting you on the whole way! I sat at turn two, and it was great seeing all of you racing around the turns. Congratulations on your win, and best wishes to you for the rest of the season. I have to say that I am definitely one of your biggest fans, and you are totally hot!
Hi Helio
Congratulations on your win this past week. I got to meet you at the dancing with the stars tour in Philadelphia, I am KIm Ruzewski`s mother. I have followed all your races this year as well as last year and you were really due that win, you earned it by driving such an excellent race. I still have not gotten to come to a race yet, but I really hope to soon. I hope you do as well this week as you did last week. Good luck.
Helio,
Congratulations on your win at Sonoma. All of you hard work and determation paid off. Keep up the good work and hope to see you in victory lane at Detroit. Good luck this weekend and be safe.
HELIO, HELIO…..I COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED IF I HAD WON THAT RACE MYSELF!
You were SPECTACULAR…..and again showed your usual humility and class by giving the crew their well earned kudos! This was indeed a Team Penske 1,000% effort, and it couldn’t have had a better ending! I had such a good feeling about that back-up car, and still do. Tons of prayers for your safety and a WIN sent your way from your DWTS fans…..to be continued next week as well! I hope you take a peek at the video of your ‘fence climbing’ into the crowd! That’s what PURE JOY looks like! Wishing you LUCK, LUCK, LUCK, LUCK, LUCK, LUCK, LUCK for your remaning races!!!!!!!!!
WOW HELIO!!!
Congradulations on your win in Sonoma…that was sort of a fence you climbed. You’ve made all your fans VERY VERY Happy!!! Now on to Detroit!!! God was definitely watching over you this week. Just goes to show that what we think is bad news isn’t what God had in mind at all. You’re #1.
CONGRATULATIONS on your WIN today!!!! Awesome Job!!!
Hey Helio,
CONTRATULATIONS on your WIN today!!!! Awesome Job!!!
-Karen
@ Jim: Yes! We will launch a store with Helio’s merchandise. We have plans for a Vblog for next season, if time allows.
@ Cac: Sorry, Helio won’t be dancing the Twist this weekend
@ everyone who commented: Thank you very much for all the kind words, and suggestions. Soon Helio’s pictures will be up, featuring his personal and professional pics. Keep coming back please, we got tons of exciting and new stuff to show you!
Hi Helio,
Great Website !
Like some others, I first came to know you on DWTS. I started following your old website, and was thrilled to be able to see your videos of DWTS. Please put them on your new website. Please! I am now following your racing. My husband, who has followed Indy for years, is glad it took you, for me to be a fan. Who would of thought! Have a safe rest of the season.
Sincerely, Judy
Helio,
You have been truly blessed and I can sense your genuine gratefulness for all that has been bestowed on you. Godspeed to you in all your future endeavors.
Karen
Hi Helio,
Your new site looks great!!!! Looking forward to checking in here often. My husband is a longtime fan of yours and I am a new fan since seeing you on DWTS. We are rooting for you to win the final 3 races and win the championship.
Hi Helio
I first saw you on DWTS and you were wonderful. I voted for you everytime and I also have a Beagle. I just wanted to tell you good luck on your race this weekend and please be safe.
Debbie
Helio,
Just wanted to tell you good luck for this weekends race and be safe.
Christa
Helio,
The website looks awesome!! I’m glad you are back online,looking forward to hearing about your new Nephew and more about Tuggy - Beagles are great, I have a 6 yr. old sweetheart who I adopted from the SPCA.
Saw you in Richmond and Watkins Glen this year, I was so sad for you at Watkins! Can’t wait for ‘09 - Richmond, Watkins Glen & Toronto.
Good luck this weekend, always be safe!
Pam
PS: Love the Calendar!!!
Hi Helio, I heard there would be a twist contest at Sonoma this weekend. Will you be participating? Is it true it is for the Guiness book of Records? I hope we get to see it in the pre race program. How do you feel about changing TV broadcasting venues? I have heard some good things about VS so hopefully will be all good. Go fast this weekend and hope to see you climb the fence. I have faith in you and pray for you always. CAC
Hi Helio!
Great to see your website up and running! I’ll be checking it everyday I’m sure. My husband and I got the wonderful honor of meeting you several times at the Indy 500 this year. Remember the lady in the wheelchair who gave you the cross-stitch picture for your birthday? It was really a dream come true to meet you and get my picture with you. Both my husband and I have been fans of yours for years. You are not only an amazingly talented racer, but such a sweet and gracious guy as well! It is no wonder Indianapolis has adopted you as their “son.” Please tell your beautiful sister hello for me as well as that new nephew of yours. I had the awesome opportunity to say hello to her at the 500 also. We love you Helio and will be cheering you on to victory for the remaining races this year.
Stay safe,
Julie
Helio! This is great! Sorry that a handshake with Remco didn’t get you the win in Kentucky. Apparently you need to eat lunch with him as well…worked in Richmond. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Nice job on the website guys. I look forward to seeing the updates.
Nossa como é bom saber que não precisamos da BAND para falar com vc. Pelo amor de Deus quanto sofrimento.
Anjo Aranha quanta emocação hein… Corridas, disputas…E um Scott no lugar errado… ai ai ai.
Como eu acelero com vc. Torço por você, torço pelo seu sucesso e principalmente pelas conquistas que ainda estão guardadas por Deus para derramar sobre você e sua vida.
Parabéns pelo site e como todo brasileiro… nunca desista - acelere sempre e acredite que você capaz. O restante Deus faz.
“E,Por não saber que era impossível ele foi lá e fez” (Jean Cocteau)
EU ACREDITO EM VC.
Juliana
Helio, I have been checking everyday to see if your website was updated and I am so excited that it is up and running. I think you are so great and your personality is over the top!!!!! Lucinda
Hi Helio,
Great to see your blog up and running. I have been a long time fan and had the opportunity to chat with you last year at Sonoma. You were so gracious and friendly when I chatted with you outback of the trailers in the garage area. We talked about the time you showed off your home for HGTV. I’m looking forward to your winning the next couple of races and beating out Scott for the Championship. I’ll be looking for you at the races this weekend and cheering for you to win.
Liz
Hi Helio,
I’m thrilled for the opportunity to tell you how much I’ve come to respect and admire you! I was introduced to you on DWTS, and immediately ‘Bewitched’ (HeeHee) by your joyful outlook and adorable personality! I agree 100% with one of the other comments made that it would be great for you to do a VBlog as TK does, in addition to a written one! You’re a natural in front of the camera, as was clearly shown during your DWTS days!!! I became an instant Helio fan and haven’t missed a race since seeing your first Foxtrot with Julianne. While I’m still learning about everything ‘IRL’, I’ve seen enough to appreciate what an extraordinary driver you are. Even more than that, the honor and respect you display toward your parents, family and friends speaks volumes about your exemplary character! You are truly an inspiration! I send my very best wishes and prayers for a WINNING and safe end to this 2008 season, to be followed by many more. God Bless You.
Helio,
Sua pagina esta muito legal…cara nao vejo a hora de voltar a St. Petersburg, FL ano que vem =) To louca pra ver voce correndo aqui novamente…. Boa Sorte nas 3 ultimas corridas e te vejo em 2009.
Kelly
Helio,
The updated website is wonderful! Please know how much I appreciate your wonderful attitude and your approach to life. You are truly an inspiration!!
Be safe,
Lisa
Finally! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this website being up and running! It looks great:)
Hi Helio - finally we have a way to communicate with you directly. I was hoping. at the meantime, that you have a chance to read our posts on Penske Forum. Am so glad that Apollo got you to join DWTS, and you and Julianne finally winning the championship for season 7. Through you, I heard about indycar racing first time. Since then, I tried to watch all your races including practice and qualification. With the help of the forum members, I learned a lot about the different races, points, rules, etc. Your smile and positiveness is very inspiring especially when things don’t go as expected. You always seem to find the right words to say to be positive and move on. We are always praying for your safety every time you race and that you’ll meet your goals of at least one win and the championship for yr 2008. Regardless of the outcome - you are still my favorite Indycar driver/racer. I think your personality and positive outlook has rubbed on your teammate Ryan. Even Scott’s way of talking seemed to have soften and gives the impression that you guys are good buddies now, like TK and you, despite the competitiveness of the sport. It’s nice to meet your parents, and sister Kati via TV. Hoping to see Edoardo also one of these days. Keep up the good work! Am still waiting for that famous talk-about fence-climbing. But don’t worry, we still love
you, if we don’t see “spiderman” soon - there are still 3 more races in the line-up, as you always say. God bless you, Helio.
I’m so glad that you have your site up and running! I was introduced to INDY racing a few years ago by my husband and since one of the first races I watched, you were the driver I’ve always rooted for. I finally got to see you in person at Kentucky last year. I watched and voted for you in DWTS, in which you were terrific. And I am doing the same this year in the INDY races. I saw you again at Kentucky this year, and as I told you during the fanfest, I drove 500 miles to see Spiderman, and I had a sign that said, “HELIO, WE MISS SPIDERMAN”. I was going crazy the last 5 laps of the race and thought for sure I was going to see spiderman in person! I wish you the best of luck in these last 3 races and am praying for spiderman to be at the finish line in each one!
Hi Helio,
Wow! Great News that your website is up and running now. I’ve been trying for most of the last year to find a website showing your appearances, TV shows, commercials, etc. where your fans can see what you’ve been up to lately and what’s coming up next. What have you planned for the upcoming 2008 off season after your races are over? Would love to see you more on the TV. Hey…you and Julianne could do your own situation comedy like “I Love Lucy”…you’ve got the accent…and she’s so funny! Love you guys. Good luck next week in Sonoma.
Barb
Hi Helio, just noticed on the Penske Racing site that this is up and running! Fantastic! It will be very exciting to check in here and see what is new. I am a “new this year fan” thanks to DWTS and now love watching racing on TV. Even more, I would love to get to go to a race in person. I would especially like to get to Sonoma since you are in the meet and greet, but if not, will try for Chicagoland. I saw you on tour with DWTS in Ft. Lauderdale. That was so much fun! Thank you for all the great memories and fun you provide. Best of luck to you on winning the Championship and I am really pulling for you to win a race. But, even if you dont, you are still my favorite!!! And a great race car driver!
Hola Helio, good to be able to chat with you. I would love to see you do a vblog like TK and include pics of your family including little Edouard and Tuggy. I came to see you at Indy 500 this year, my first race ever. I could not get your autograph because the line was too long, I drove, with my son for 18hrs. I did get good pics of you and DP and TK. I enjoyed getting to know you on DWTS and was wondering if you would be coming back as a correspondent for ET. I think you are a natural at getting the dancers to laugh and tell on themselves. Will be watching the rest of the IRL season and hoping to see you on Dancing. Tell your family they are loved and respected by those of us who follow your career. Adios, CAC
Will there be a place on this site to get Helio hats or tshirts? This is the one thing that I think IndyCar could do better, their merchandising. Lets get some fancy new 3 car hats. Also Helio should do a VBlog like TK does.