Pictures
Videos
Richmond here he goes!
Helio talks about Richmond:
“Richmond is one of my favorite tracks on the IndyCar Series circuit. It’s one of the smallest circuits we run at, which means we’re able to turn laps in about 15 seconds. Because of the speeds and the track size, it feels like you’re constantly turning. As a result, Richmond is very physically demanding. Team Penske has been running really well this season and hopefully we’ll see more of the same this weekend. We’re coming off a tough race in Iowa (Castroneves finished seventh), so hopefully we’ll be able to turn things around a bit this weekend and have a solid showing at Richmond.”
Did you know?
Team Penske has started from the pole in Richmond in four of the eight races in which the IndyCar Series has competed; including three of the last five years (Castroneves started from the pole in 2006 and 2004; in addition to former Team Penske drivers Sam Hornish Jr. in 2005 and Gil de Ferran in 2002).
In the seven races that Team Penske has competed in at Richmond International Raceway, it has earned two wins (Castroneves won in 2005 and Sam Hornish Jr. won in 2006).
Local Knowledge
Richmond is home to long-time Team Penske sponsor Phillip Morris USA.
Helio visited the Philip Morris factory (posted on his twitter yesterday) meeting the factory workers, and thanking them for the support and sponsorship.
Congrats on the DOY 2nd qtr award! Glad they got it right this time. I got my votes in for you to win an ESPY award (maybe two) this year.
Good luck this weekend at Watkins Glen. Be safe…. Be fast!!
Love,
Sharon
Got my votes in for you Helio. An internet friend and I are trying to recruit all the fans we can think of to vote for you too. Would love to see you win an ESPY (hopefully, you’ll win both). You need another fan voted award.
Congratulations on your award… my vote was cast a few days ago for the ESPY awards… you just gotta win! I too just turned my calendar to July and oohh, la, la! You’re looking good. Best of luck at the Watkins Glen.
Fans we all need to vote today!!!!
Cherie
All Helio fans
Helio has been nominated in the ” Best Moment” category for his third Indy 500 win and Best Driver for the ESPY Awards. This will be aired on ESPN Sunday 19,09 . We all need to vote for him. You can find it on Penske racing. Everyone VOTE we need our #1 driver to win because he is the best.
Thanks
Cherie
Helio we all will be watching you this weekend and cheering you on. GO FANS
Full Page article in TV Guide——very nice!!!
I just got my copy…..
So many Videos, newspaper articles—–just in the past 2 weeks!
you’re the Best
your fan
Helio
Congratulation on the Best Driver for the year- 2nd quarter. You are the best. We will be cheering you on this weekend. Good luck,be safe,have fun and drive fast,
Your fan forever
Cherie
CONGRATULATIONS on another well-deserved award - Best Driver for the year - 2nd quarter! Didn’t even know it was divided in quarters. I think you deserve the entire year. Looking forward to your race at Watkins Glen International this weekend. Praying and crossing my fingers for another winning race!
HUGs.
Oh Helio. I changed my calender this morning and the pic of you is just awesome. You look so handsome all happy and smiling.
@Pegi: I’m actually just going Saturday, sadly! I’m going with my family and without going into the whole long story, we can’t stay for both days. We’re about two hours away, and as far as I know, no one is willing to go back again the next day. Too bad I haven’t bothered getting my license yet!
But it would be nice if we all somehow saw each other there! WOO! 
Congratulations on another well deserved award…2nd Quarter driver award.Thats awesome,you must be very proud to achieve that and yet so gracious to thank your Penske Team and your fans for helping you.Tony stewart and Mark Martin round out the group ….some awesome company there!
Good luck this weekend at Watkins Glen…..sounds like there will be alot of Helio fans there cheering you on from this website.I am sure they will represent the rest of us well and cheer loudly for us too!
Everybody have a fun-tastic time!!!
Hoping for better results for Team Penske this weekend.
@Pegi: You’re welcome. I’m just dying to meet Helio again now. Got my fingers crossed to try and go to the TX race next year. Only issue is my graduation on June 4th.
@Paige: Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! Helio’s smile is magical - Just like what his name means - ‘the Sun’, i.e. sunshine! THANKS SO MUCH!
Pegi, from Boston.
@Kaitlyn: Kaitlyn, definitely, I’ll look for you. I should be able to spot you - are you going just on Sunday? I’ll be there Saturday and Sunday - Sunday, I plan on wearing my new Helio T-shirt - but I KNOW there will be plenty of people with Helio T-shirts on! Which will be great! I’ll keep my eyes out for you! THANKS!
Pegi, from Boston.
The Best Driver Award…..Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 2nd quarter Best Driver Award is wonderful!
You’re the Best
your fan
Congratulations on being voted “Driver of the Year” for the second quarter this year Helio. You deserved it.
@Pegi: Your description of how you think you’re going to feel when you meet Helio this weekend (I think you will) reminds me of how I thought I would feel like when I was met Helio in Texas earlier this month. I managed to actually speak to him. He’s a sweetheart and will definatley greet you with a big smile.
Helio, sorry about the way Richmond turned out for you (and Ryan). Just remember to keep it in perspective…you’re in a better place now than a few months ago. I know you’ll have better luck in Watkins Glen. Stay safe. By the way, I haven’t heard you say exactly what happened that caused your crash. Keep smiling!!!
@Pegi: That would be cool if we all saw each other! I already know I’ll be wearing a green tank top with a glittery Brazilian flag on it, so if you see me, don’t be afraid to come up and say hi!
Helio,
Now we turn the page to The Glen - and I’m sooooooooooooooo excited because I’m going to my first Indy race - YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I’ve got my ticket packet (pit lane, garage, hospitality tent, and pit-grandstand seating), AND…Helio T-shirt and Penske credental holder as well. So if you see a person who, when she hopefully is able to get your autograph, she looks like a ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ and isn’t able to say anything that makes any sense - that will be me! I’ll be sooo nervous, but I know that when I see your smile - I will be OK.
Also, it would be nice to run into Dave, Deb and Kaitlyn from your site here — maybe we can arrange a time and meeting place? Well, i’m just babbling on - what can I say - I’m just so excited to see YOU race, in person, YAHOOOOOOOOO!
One of your many, MANY fans — Pegi, from Boston
Wasn’t able to watch the Richmond race but sorry to read about the crashes. Hope there were no injuries for either driver and that you are good to go for the next race.
Helio,
Tough tough race at Richmond Saturday for both you and Ryan - but as you always say, “It’s time to turn the page and move on.” I was just glad that both of you were not hurt in the crashes.
Just know that your fans will be sending you positive thoughts and prayers for a great race at Watkins Glen on Sunday.
Keep on smiling!
Hélio,
Richmond não foi nada legal…. Mas continuo na torcida e sei que ainda tem muita coisa boa vindo pela frente. Sorte em Watkins Glen.
Abraço
Marcelo Pacheco
Helio,
Sooo sorry about the outcome of the Richmond race. I nearly cried when you and Ryan hit the wall that night. Just hope you are doing ok. Pick up and go forward with #3. Leave the rest of the pack behind you in Watkins Glen. Our prayers are with you.
Oh Helio! that accident broke my heart. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to stay for the end of the race after that. I’m glad you weren’t hurt. I glad both you and Ryan are ok. Next week, you’ll both do great. Thanks for the pictures. You on the scooter are great! I have them on my desk here at work and everyone is looking at them and green with envy that I got that close. I love it. I know Team Penske will be at the front at the Glen. Good luck….hugs to you.
Love ya’
Helio, Sooo sorry about the unfortunate outcome of the Richmond race. I almost cried when I saw you and Ryan hit the wall during the race. Pick it up and go from here. Your the best with #3. Leave the rest of the pack behind you in Watkins Glen. You can do it!
I hope you’re okay, Helio! We all could tell you were disappointed, but I’m just glad your crash wasn’t worse. It was a tough break for you and Ryan, but don’t worry. I know you’ll do amazing at Watkins Glen — I’ll be there to be your good luck charm!
Although I wasn’t much luck last year, but I am going to be thinking positive for you the whole time! <3
WHAT????? Brazil beat the USA in soccer today!!?? How did that happen….LOL LOL LOL
your fan
I have to echo everybody elses comments on last nights race at RIR.Not the ending that Team Penske expected but it is what it is!.Lets move on and re-group for Watkins Glen..wasn’t it there last year you were going to fix the car?Too funny.
At least you are still in 4th place so thats a positive.Hopefully the weather will co-operate next weekend for a safe and better result for Team Penske.Enjoy your few days before heading to NY.
Helio - I watched the recording of the race last night cuz had to go to my son’s art event. I am sorry to see the unfortunate and unexpected ending of you and Ryan’s cars at RIR this year. Hope both of you weren’t hurt physically and are recovering nicely - to be ready for the next race. I am sure both your crew teams are going to do their very best to get your cars ready for the next race. Like you always say - “let’s move on!”. I agree with Paige, playing with cute nephew Eduardo and Tuggy will help you a lot. HUGs and with prayers for better results on your other races. Continue to be strong in your faith - God is with you for a safe race. Keep that smile coming - do you know that song “Smile, though your heart is aching………”?
Helio, Sorry last night’s race had such an unfortunate ending for you and Ryan. I hope you’re not too sore and bruised from your contact.
I enjoyed watching practice and qualifications from outside your pit box, although it’s difficult to snap pictures of you from pit road. There was always a huge crowd around you and the #3. Your smile just lit up the whole track. I started to ask your beautiful Adriana to take your picture for me, but her attention was totally focused on you.;) You two make a great couple!
Thanks for the personalized autographs. It was fun standing in line with so many of your fans. You are truly loved! I was in front of the adorable family of four little girls, all wearing the red Team Penske shirts. So Cute!!
Good luck next week at Watkins Glen.
Your Fan, Sharon
Hi Helio,
So sorry about the race last night. Glad you are ok. Looking forward to Watkins Glen. We will be there I can’t believe 1 week from today. Our 1st race in person. Take Care and we will see you at Watkins Glen.
Deb and Dave
So sorry for you and Ryan. I hope you both are feeling ok today.
Helio—I’m excited to read that the 1st race next year is in Brazil!! Hope TV shows some scenery and parts of your town! I bet your Brazilian fans are VERY happy!
IMO…RIR is just too small for the aerodynamic Indy Cars. I’m no expert, but it seems soooo small!
Like always, you gave your 110%, but the Race was crazy! Nothing you could have done when someone slows in front of you. So glad that you were not injured!
Enjoy the week and see you at The Glen!!
your fan
I hope that today, Helio, you are not sore from last night’s accident.
I can think of something that would definately make you smile - spend some of your playing with Eduardo and Tuggy. Neither of them don’t care whether you have a good or bad day. They just like having your around.
Helio, Richmond was terrible last night for you, Ryan, and the entire Team Penske. As you said, the incident happened so quickly, it was not caught entirely on camera until the replay - then you could see what transpired. I read your post-race interview this morning, and the replay of the crash certainly shows exactly what you were quoted without naming names of others involved. So sorry about the race. Thank God you were not hurt - Ryan, too.
I am so looking forward to a road course and Watkins Glen next week! Onward and upward, Helio and Team Penske!
Helio…oi…
Oh no…não foi nada bom o que aconteceu ontem…nem por ti, nem pelo Ryan…
Mas vamos lá…força e concentração total para Watkins Glen: mostra p/ esse povo o que o conjunto Hélio+Penske é capaz de fazer!!!
Pelo menos, deu para manter a mesma posição no campeonato…mas é preciso acelerar para não ficar para trás… Vamos lá!!!
BOA SEMANA!!! Até mais…
Helio,
We were sad to see you and Ryan crash tonight. I could tell you were really upset when you got into the safety suv. I’m sure you were in know frame of mind to talk to the media. I hope that the both of you are not to sore. Now focus on Watkin’s Glen, you will do great there.
BIG HUG from Rhonda
Oh Helio. That wreck tonight hurt.
I know it was getting into those marbles, but the look on your face was what broke my heart. You just looked so upset.
I’m still proud of you for not getting on camera and just leaving. You were in no position to talk to the media directly.
I don’t think it would’ve been good for you to say anything into a microphone with a camera on you. You were probably in that mindset where you would’ve said something you would later regret.
Just keep your heads up (you, Ryan, and the entire Penske team) and look towards next weekend. Watkin’s Glen is coming up and you two can make up the points y’all lost tonight.
Helio - you are one skilled driver! Was so happy to see that you kept on driving despite those 2 dangerous “wiggles” at high speed and finished safe and in third position…whew!!! I’m sure your great crew will fix the problem prior to the race this afternoon. Praying for a win for you today at Richmond, Helio. HUGs.
Good luck today. I will try to see some of the race at work.
Helio, Helio, that was much more than a ‘WIGGLE’ in quals yesterday! Holy Moly, you scared the daylights out of me! Brilliant, brilliant driving, Helio, and I nominate your quals drive as ‘SAVE OF THE SEASON’! Whew. On to the race tonight, and no more ‘wiggles’, OK? LOL As always…..
GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!
BE QUICK!
MOST IMPORTANT, STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
So glad you were able to save your car during qualifying today. That was pretty scary!!! Starting in the 3rd position is okay, especially after what happened. Good luck tomorrow and most importantly stay safe.
I’ll be watching and rooting you on!
Love you, Helio!
Kelli
Las Vegas, NV
I was late watching qualifying but had already known you were 3rd from your Twitter update since they come to my phone. Watched it when I got home and holy crap you scared me with the way that car was getting a little loose. Great driving! xoxo
Oh and you have to record yourself singing “ABC”. Heard you were singing an old Jackson 5 hit after your run in quals.
Wow!!! Awesome driving in qualifying today!!! Not too many drivers could’ve saved their cars in that situation much less qualified so high. Way to go Helio!!!!!
Helio
Good luck in the race tomorrow night. I will be watching and cheering you on. I am sending you a big hug for luck. Be safe.
Diane from Indy
Good job on qualifying in P3 for tomorrow night’s race Helio. You can blow by those Ganassi cars Saturday night.
We were over at my granny’s again today and found out that she has Versus. Guess we know where we’ll be cheering you on tomorrow night.
Good luck and put on a show (by winning and scaling another fence).
WOW and more WOW…..What was that huge WIGGLE? Awesome save to get P3 after that.I thought for sure the wall was coming into play real soon. But you proved once again Helio what talent and ability you have. Maybe a prayer,a skipped heartbeat or two you possessed to keep the #3 in place.
Loved the interview afterwards and your excitement as you watched the replay.
Gnassi for now on the front row but for sure Team Penske will have them in the rear view mirror.P2 and P3 for you and Ryan…awsome start…..looking foreward to the race tomorrow and another fence climb.
Go get em Racing Champion!!
Helio,
Looking forward to watching the race this weekend. Wish we were there. Have fun,go fast and most important be safe. My husband played me the funniest thing on his ipod. It was on a INDY podcast and Tim was being interviewed. It was of you and Gil singing “Wake Up Little Susie”. Very cute. I would have to say you did a much better job than Gil,but I think a better song would have been “Help me Rhonda”. LOL
BIG HUG from Rhonda
My husband and I are Arizona fans. We were at Indy, and Texas to watch a perfect ending to a wonderful day of racing. Oh! We also followed you on Dancing With The Stars. Your a natural born dancer.
Good luck and God’s speed at Richmond. Bring #3 to the winner’s circle again.
Helinho será tarde quando você ver isso…
mas esta será sua corrida de nº 200 na Indy
vc tem 79 largadas na CART e 120 na IndyCar…
é uma marca espetacular, Boesel tem 199.
Helinho será tarde quando você ver isso…
mas esta será sua corrida de nº 200 na Indy
vc tem 79 largadas na CART e 120 na IndyCar…
é uma marca espetacular, Boesel tem 199.
http://www.Blogdaindy.com para maiores informações
WhooHooo! Quals this evening on VERSUS! Go for the Pole, Helio!
GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!
BE QUICK!
MOST IMPORTANT, BE SAFE OUT THERE!
From your #1 Fan in Memphis,
3simplythebest(aka 3memphisheliofan)
Boa sorte em Richmond!
Sorry. Forgot to add this line:
Good luck, have a good race, have fun, and be safe out there!
I think I’ve got Vel and Granny, especially Vel, on the same page with me when it comes to Saturday night’s race. We’re going to try and go to Buffalo Wild Wings in Beaumont to eat supper and cheer you on.
We do not have access to Versus right now and I’ve got a feeling that you could be climbing another fence Saturday night.
Helio
Good Luck,drive fast,have fun,be safe we will be cheering you on.
Your fan forever
Cherie
Helio - thanks for reminding us of your next race - you’re so good to your fans. Have a safe winning race at Richmond. Will be praying for a safe win for you - Mr. Champ.
HUGs.
Helio,
Drive fast, have fun, be careful and WINWINWIN!!!
Take care,
Lisa
Helio, You are soooo good to your fans. Thanks for all the ways you share your life with us. I can hardly wait till this weekend. I’ll be at RIR all day Friday and of course, at the race Saturday night. Hope I get a chance to talk to you on Pit Road, or in your garage between practice and qualifications. I’ll see you at the autograph session for sure!
Good Luck this weekend. My crystal ball says those “Ganasty” boys are gonna be eating your dust Saturday night!
Oi…!!!
Só p/ te desejar TUDO DE BOM em Richmond desde agora!!!
Que jóia o ‘www.h3lio.com’…gostei da idéia do ‘h3lio’….
Até mais,
Good luck this weekend Helio. I’m still trying to find a way to watch the race Saturday.
Try and “tweet” a little more. I love your posts.
Also, congratulations on being nominated for TWO ESPYs “Best Moment” and “Best Driver”. Got my fingers crossed that you’ll win both.
Good luck this weekend. We will be there watching and yelling for you! You met my husband yesterday at Philip Morris (he was wearing your shirt and on a forlift, you told him not to be speeding around the plant on it!). He was telling me how great you and Ryan were and how he got both of you to sign the pictures that I had taken of ya’ll when you were here testing a couple of weeks ago. THANK YOU for the personalized pictures also. They are now hanging on my desk at work. I can’t wait for Saturday and the race.
Love ya’
Hélio, você poderia postar algumas postagens em português!!!
Segue um vídeo narrado por Téo José, e editado por mim com o Tema da vitória da Indy no Texas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAnanqXFhis&feature=channel_page
Abração, e boa sorte em Richmond.
Você alcançou a vitória de número 100 para o Brasil na Indy no Texas!!!
http://www.Blogdaindy.com para maiores informações
So excited to get to watch the race this weekend, Helio! I know you’ll kick some serious Target butt and take that championship points lead! :’)
Its great that we now have a place for comments from race to race.Thank you for providing tha for the BEST fans on the racing circuit.
Onto Richmond.A super night race under the lights.Best of luck Helio for this weekend.Your never give up attitude will serve you well this weekend for a jump in points to catch that other Penske car and put Gnassi in the rear view mirror.Dario and Scott are the chief threats and we know you can and will show them that this CHAMPIONSHIP is YOURS THIS YEAR.
Love all the videos and articles out there ….you represent the IRL well.Great job.
Go get ‘em and BE SAFE.First step..a good practice and then the pole again.
Good Lucky #3 !
Watching u @ bandsports!
I smell a Penske pole and win:) Good luck to you and Ryan. xoxo
Helio—–Good Luck Good Luck Good Luck 3 times for You and the #3 Car!!!!!!!
I’m enjoying the Twitter Posts! Thanks!
You’re the BEST!!!
your fan