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Helio, partnered with Ryan Briscoe, finished fourth in the ALMS P2 class, sixth overall. Briscoe and Castroneves started the Laguna Seca race at the back because they changed tire compounds between qualifying and the race.
Following the Race, Helio traveled to Australia, to compete on the last race (an exhibition race) for the Indycar 2008 Season.
It’s the Nikon Indy 300, in Surfer’s Paradise, Australia. To be broadcasted live on Oct 25 at 10:30 pm (ET) on ESPN CLASSIC.
Let’s cheer on Helio, as he is confident and concentrated for this race, and Thanking all his fans worldwide for the great support, on and off tracks.
Some Indycar Helio Notes for the Australia Race.
- In the four times Castroneves has competed in Australia, he’s earned one top-ten finish and one top-ten start.
- Castroneves finished second in the 2008 IndyCar Series Championship point standings, just 17 points behind winner Scott Dixon. This was Castroneves’ second runner-up finish since he joined the League in 2002.
- In the seventeen IndyCar Series events this season, Castroneves earned two wins, three poles and eleven podium finishes; completed 99.9% and led 20% of laps run, and started in the top-five twelve times. He also led the most laps in six events, including the final three races.
- Castroneves’ pole in Nashville extended his IndyCar Series record for most consecutive seasons with a pole (7). He is the IndyCar Series leader in career pole positions with 26; double that of any other driver (Greg Ray is second with 13).
- After leading 80 laps at the season-finale in Chicago, Castroneves extended his IndyCar Series record for races in which he’s led laps (71). In addition, Castroneves led the Series this season in races led (13), laps completed (2,857), races running at finish (17); top-five finishes (15) and was tied for the lead in top-ten finishes (15) with Tony Kanaan.
- In Sonoma, Castroneves started from the pole for the fourth time in 2008 and led a race-high 51 laps en route to his first victory of the season. This win marked an IndyCar Series-record seventh and his tenth overall win from the pole. Castroneves’ victory also marked his ninth consecutive season of earning at least one win, a Penske Racing record (Rick Mears is second with seven seasons, which he earned from 1979-1985). In addition, he also holds the IndyCar Series record for consecutive seasons with at least one victory (8).
- Castroneves’ win in Sonoma coupled with teammate Ryan Briscoe’s second place finish marked the Team’s second 1-2 finish of the season (the other came in Mid-Ohio) and it’s 36th in its open-wheel history.
- The duo’s front row sweep in Sonoma was also Team Penske’s third 1-2 start this season and their third consecutive front row sweep on a permanent road/temporary street course (Mid-Ohio and Edmonton were the other two). This was also the fifteenth 1-2 start for the Team since joining the IndyCar Series full-time in 2002 and the 51st in its history.
- The second win of the season for Castroneves came at the season-finale in Chicago after he started last (28th) and led a race-high 80 laps. The photo finish was the second closest finish in IndyCar Series history.
- Castroneves has finished in the top-five in 65 of the 112 (58%) races he’s run since joining the IndyCar Series full-time in 2002 including Miami, St. Petersburg, Japan, Kansas, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Texas, Richmond, Nashville, Mid-Ohio, Edmonton, Kentucky, Sonoma, Belle Isle and Chicago in 2008; he’s finished in the top-ten in 87 out of 112 races (77%).
Did You Know?
In the last three IndyCar Series races, Castroneves earned one pole, two wins, a second-place and led the most laps in each race.
Good Luck in Australia, Helio!
Helio,
I just read your blog that you wrote today. It was so great to see your smiling face in that picture. When are we going to see you sitting in the crowd there at “Dancing With The Stars”?
I don’t know; this time its really hard to say who will win. Of course we would love to see Julianne and Cody win, but Warren is great as is Brooke. They have great Pro’s with them too. Sooo glad that Julianne is okay now and able to finish the season. It was hard to believe she had surgery 2 weeks ago by the way she danced Tuesday night with Derek. Will you be there when she sings? She looked so cute on the CMA Awards last night. It was so great to hear from you and once again fantastic to see that smiling face. BIG HUG from Rhonda
Helio,
Please tell us that your Lawyers are working on getting this court date pushed back until after the 2009 racing season. We are all on pins and needles wondering if you will be able to race or not.
I know that this is a very heard time for you and Kati. I’m sure that all of this is so nerve racking to you. I know that our Justice system is very confussing to you and trying to get it all figured out is very time consuming. We all love you and we feel helpless in the fact that we don’t know how to help you. I worry about you as I would my own children. Please I BEG of you to let us know how you are doing. Even a short message would be better than nothing. We Love You Helio and are behind you 100%. Please don’t make us feel closed out at the time when we feel you need us the most. A BIG HUG from Rhonda
Helinho….
Parabéns por mais essa premiação do Capacete de Ouro!!! Você merece mesmo, e muuuuiiiittooo!!!
Te cuida, em março terá mais uma premiação a receber!!!! Tenha fé que tudo vai dar certo!!!!
Até mais.
Helio–
I really miss seeing you on tv.Make a appearance on DTWS before its over!:)Please post a blog soon!
stay strong!:-)
Please, please, please…let us know how you are doing. We all miss seeing you on TV and hearing what you’ve been up to. We are thinking about you and Kati and hoping everything will be o.k. Please know your fans support you 100%.
A blog, a post, something…Help us out here:) Withdrawals!!!!!
Hi Helio,
Enjoyed watching the Championship Celebration online. Congratulations on receiving 2 Awards!
The Video Clip of You was great. I always smile at You, the mechanic, at Watkins Glen. Did the Black Knights tease you on that one?
What a great Season you had! You made it sooooo fun & exciting to watch. Thank You!
Hope you have your voice back by now!
Rolex 24 is coming up in January…hope to see you there!
Supporting You 100%..with good vibes, thoughts, and prayers.
Dá pra notar que não esta sozinho, aqui no Brasil tento obter informações pelos sites, mas nada é muito citado, como outros estão pedindo, reforço mantenhanos informados. Quem te acompanha, e é seu fã quer saber o que acontece,quer ajudar de qualquer forma possível.
Estamos do seu lado..
Se cuide
Priscila
Helio,
It’s being reported on local TV today here in Indianapolis that your trial date has been set for March 2, 2009. Will that be in Miami? Please let us hear from you…how are you and Kati doing…etc. You have many loyal fans who are out here to support you. Blessings & God Speed.
Barb
Dearest Helio,
Please let us know how you’re doing, we all care so much and are worried about you and Kati!!
If there is ANYTHING that your fans can do for you, please let us know! I don’t know much about
legal protocol, but I’d bet there are many people out there that would sign petitions, write
letters or whatever to help you!!! You are also in many daily prayers. Remember always that you
are much loved and respected!!!!!
Take care,
Lisa
I hope you update here soon, Helio! We miss you! :[ Any chance you’ll be on any of the dates for the Dancing with the Stars tour? I’m thinking about going to Indianapolis to see it, but it would make it so much better to see your smiling face there, dancing with Julianne again! :*
Your fans would love to hear from you…how about an updated blog?
Hi Helio - Congratulations for a good race at Australia - 7th position - despite that “bump”
with Danica’s car. At least you did not give up, Mr. Positive. You still had that smile that
we love. Now moving on - is there a chance we will see you doing any TV commentaries, like ET?
How about sports reporting, any offers? Sure missing you already on TV. We are continuing our
prayers for a positive results on you and Kati’s legal case. Keep up the faith, Helio. Prayers
are always powerful.
Helio, Hope você recuperou de sua viagem para a Austrália e esperou você está se divertindo por seu tempo de duna. Quando você estará somando uma entrada de blog nova? Nós perdemos audição de você. Há pouco queria que você soubesse que nós estamos pensando em você. Será ida dura para sem raça até abril. Melhores desejos para Kati. Abraço grande de Rhonda
To Kaitlyn: I heard about it somewhere. I can’t remember where though. Sure wouldn’t suck if Helio put his dancing shoes back on.
Congratulations Helio on a good race..a terrific comeback after the run in with DP!Congratulations also to Ryan for winning the race in his home country and in spite of all the press for other aussies….the best aussie won.
The fans of the Penske Forum wish you well for the off season and know that we are all supporting you.We look foreward to maybe a few TV appearances,testing for 2009 and hopefully the Rolex again in January.Best wishes to you and Kati.
@Paige: Where did you hear that? I would be so excited if that was true! I’ve been trying to get the idea of Helio coming back into the producers minds, I even spoke to Julianne herself about it!
I heard from a few sources that you might be putting your dancing shoes back on for a results show of DWTS. Sure miss you dancing.
Helio, an amazing race as always! I had to listen on the web as we do not get ESPN Classic, and I nearly when they said Danica had caused contact and your tire was flat! Only you could still finish in the top 10 after problems like that–terrific job. I hope you are able to enjoy the off-season somewhat despite your worries. Keep the faith.
Helio, What a great race. Congratulations on your top 10. Finishig 7th was great after some of the problems you had. At least you didn’t hit the wall and not able to finish. I’m sure Ryan is sooo excited to have won and to be the first Australian to do so. I’m also sure you were just as happy for him and celebrated alot. I see there is a race on Dec. 31st. When will we find out where and when? I’m excited that I don’t have to go into complete racing withdrawal yet. Watched you on the TruTv show “The worlds Dumbest Drivers”. They need to show you more. Will you be at “Dancing With The Stars” when Julianne sings? Hope to see you there and on ET soon. I’m also hoping that you put a place on your web site where we can download some of our favorite picture we have taken of you & of you with us. That way you can see the fans that love and respect you, and stand behind you thru all you will be going through in the months ahead. Take Care and relax while you can. Big Hug from Rhonda
Congratulations Helio…on another Top 10 finish! With the problems on track…You were great!
Off-Season…..keep the Faith, your Positive attitude. Hoping to see you on a TV show!
Your Fans love you & respect you! Don’t ever forget that!
Hope you get some relaxation in Miami! The Best to you!
Helio, what an exciting race! Was so proud you finished in the top 10 even after all the problems that were not your fault - Congratulations on your spectacular driving! Also, congrats to your teammate, Ryan Briscoe, who won in front of his home folks.
Helio, as always, you are SIMPLY THE BEST! And, you’re forever in all my postive thoughts and daily prayers.
Helio, Another great race for you and Ryan! Coming from 21st to end up at 7th was another example of what a talented, fine driver you are! From my view on TV it looked like a difficult course to maneuver and hard to pass. But now it’s off season and I’m kind of sad. It will seem like a long time til we can watch you race again. Please keep in touch. Really hoping to see you on TV such as E.T. correspondant (you were great on that too) or any other show you may be on. Enjoy your break and dont worry about the IRS troubles. Whatever it takes, I know you can work it out. Will be praying for you and, as usual, best of luck. Love you, Helio!
Congratulatulations on your top 10 Helio! Can’t wait for next season when you show everybody what you can do (not that you haven’t proven it already).
Helio, you raced so well!! I’m so proud of you. :* And of Ryan too!! Team Penske is the best ever, for real. Love you!!
Big congrats to Ryan and Team Penske!!!! He raced an awesome race holding off Dixon. Wish we could have seen you finish on the podium, but there’s plenty of time for that in 2009. Great job Helio, I can’t wait for next season. Love you!!!!!!!!!
Helio, Congrats on the Fast Six Quals! Can’t wait til the race. Be safe out there! Good Luck, Godspeed, and hoping for a Podium Win for you!
Good luck! I’m counting down the hours.
good luck today
Helio, You and Ryan did great job in qualifying,(that spin out was a little scary, but at least you didn’t make contact with the wall or anyone else). It looked like it was a miserable day for it. You may not have gotten Pole position, but we no that even when you start last you can still come out first, so being in sixth should be a cinch. You are a fantastic driver and so fun to watch. Put the pedal to the metal, but be safe. Can’t wait until tonight. Wish we were there. Have fun and know that we all love you. Big Hug from Rhonda
Great qualifying race, Helio. Congrats to you and Ryan B. God be with you as you do what you like best - RACING. Rain &/or shine, may you reach your goal as you race tomorrow. You are one amazing
race driver.
Helio,
Good luck in the race!! Drive fast, be safe and have fun!!!
As always, your fans are behind you all the way in every way!
Lisa
What a crappy day for qualifying! Great job to you and Ryan for qualifying in the top 6. You’ve already proven starting position doesn’t really matter anyways:)
Nice practices…anxiously awaiting qualifying:) Kick some butt Helio!
Helio, all your fans over on the Inside Lane forum are watching you tonight on the Indycar.com Livestream as you race for the pole! Good Luck and Godspeed! Be Quick! Be Safe Out There!
Hola Helio, best of luck in your race this weekend. We will be pulling for you from Texas and hoping you bring home that trophy to give the judge. I am still reeling from the court case but beginning to see some of the same positives that made me a lifelong fan. I love the quote about how Helio should always be greeted with a roar. Thanks for making me always look at the bright side and all my love to you and your family. CAC
PS: still praying for a positive ending to your legal battles.
You looked good in practice Helio. Now go out there and get yourself a pole and then a win.
I’m trying to get my parents to get us tickets to go up to TMS next June.
Helio, you looked great in practice yesterday. I watched via computer and will be cheering you on in qualifying tonight. I’ve already purchased some of my race tickets for next year, so I’ll look forward to seeing you in person come Summer 2009. Have a great race!
Good luck this weekend Helio. All your fans will be cheering you on. Fan forever. Hope to see you on TV during your down time. Please keep us informed when you will be on TV.
Helio, Wishing you a safe and successful race this weekend at Surfers Paradise! You sure looked good in practice yesterday. Wish we could be in Australia to cheer you on in person, but your fans from the Penske Racing: Inside Lane forum are watching the live streaming from indy.com, plus the TV coverage when available. We’re all sending you good vibes!
Love your positive attitude, and really enjoyed the post-practice interview: “Thats What Happens When You Say My Name”. You deserve the recognition from an F1-11 Jet! Keep the faith, my friend.
Good luck in Australia this weekend. We’ll all be cheering you on and hoping for a win from our favorite driver.
Please stay safe and have a great race! We love you!!!
Helio..Good Luck in Australia!! Keep up the amazing skill you have as a Driver!
Enjoy the Beach, the Palm Trees, the Nice weather….sounds just like Florida…………
Be Safe and be Fast…..enjoy it all!
Good Luck this weekend Helio.Bring a trophy home.
Helio, I know you will do amazingly at the race this weekend! I have so much faith in you. We all do! I’m excited to get to see a race again! Also, I don’t know how often you check out the official Indycar site, but I finally got around to submitting the photo I took of you when I met you this summer, and I was wondering if you remembered this! http://www.indycar.com/community/fanphoto/approved/1224409008heliojuju.jpg I know it put a smile on your face that day, so I’m hoping it puts a smile on your face again! We love you! :*
Helio, Here’s hoping you have another great showing at Surfers this week-end to add to your long list of amazing accomplishments. Whatever the outcome, you can be sure you are always #1 to us!!! Knowing how much you would love to win, and we would love it for you, best of luck!!!
I smell a first place finish… You are unstoppable Helio & we love you!
Good luck this weekend Helio. I’ll be cheering you on. Bring home the trophy.
Helio, Really enjoyed watching you and Ryan race last weekend. It was a good race. Really looking forward to watching the race this weekend.We will have our “Team Penske” and “I am Indy” banners hanging proudly on the front porch. We will be snuggled up wearing our Helio T-Shirts and cheering you on. Then I’m affraid I will have racing withdrawal. Hope we see that smiling face on TV during the down time. I saw that you are going to be a commentator on one of the TruTv shows. Enjoy your time there down under. Be Safe, I always know you will drive your best. Remember we are very proud to call you our favorite driver.That will never change. Take Care, Big Hug from Rhonda
Helio, estarei torcendo, rezando e vibrando por ti, como sempre!!! Te cuida e boa sorte!!!