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This weekend, Castroneves will be looking to become just the second driver to earn two wins in Japan (Dan Wheldon was the first in 2004 & 2005); he earned Team Penske’s first victory at Motegi in 2006 after starting from the pole and leading a race-high 184 laps.
- Did You Know?
- In 2006, Helio Castroneves earned Team Penske’s first victory in Japan.
- In addition, Castroneves has started from the pole the past three seasons.
Helio’s Comments:
“I’ve always liked the track at Motegi. It’s a very challenging oval, with two different ends; so it’s difficult to get the set-up right to handle well in both Turns 1&2 and Turns 3&4. We’ve achieved some great results in Japan and I’m hoping for more of the same this year. I’ve started from the pole the past three years and I won in 2006, so we know we can win there. Team Penske has been performing well on the 1.5-mile ovals all year, which gives us a lot of confidence heading into the race.”
- Qualifying: Friday, September 18 – 6 pm ET on VERSUS
- Race: Friday, September 18 – 10:30 pm ET on VERSUS (LIVE)
- Also you can watch both at www.indycar.com
Versão em Portugues
Neste final de semana, Helio buscará se tornar o segundo piloto a ganhar duas vezes no Japão; em 2006 ele conquistou a primeira vitória para a Equipe Penske em Motegi, após começar a corrida na pole, e liderando 184 voltas (das 200).
- Você sabia?
- Em 2006, Helio Castroneves conquistou a primeira vitória para a equipe Penske no Japão.
- Castroneves largou na pole position nas últimas 3 temporadas.
Comentários de Helio
“Eu sempre gostei da pista de Motegi. É um oval muito desafiador, com duas extremidades diferentes, por isso é difícil conseguir o set-up certo de segurar bem em ambas as curvas 1 e 2 e curvas 3 e 4. Nós conseguimos alguns bons resultados no Japão e eu estou esperando mais do mesmo este ano. Eu larguei na pole nos últimos três anos e ganhei em 2006, por isso sabemos que podemos vencer lá. O Team Penske tem tido um bom desempenho no oval de 1,5 milhas esse ano, o que nos dá muita confiança indo para a corrida. ”
- Tomada de tempos: Sexta-feira, 18 de setembro às 19:00hrs (horário de Brasília) no site www.indycar.com
- Corrida: Sexta-feira, 18 de setembro às 23:50 (horário de Brasília) ao vivo na Bandeirantes
- Você também pode assistir a corrida ao vivo pelo site www.indycar.com
Helio,
Sorry things didn’t turn out better on Friday. We feel really bad that Ryan hit the wall and cone as he was coming out of Pit Lane. What a bad break. But it’s not over until it’s over. Looking forward to being there for the Championship Race next month. I’m trying to get over my fear of flying, I don’t want any panick attacks on the plane. I’ve been checking out all the things I want to see in Miami besides the race. Any suggestions. Last time we were in Florida was 30 years ago for our Honeymoon and I ended up sick and hurricane David hit. Not so much fun. Hoping this time will be better. Take care and we will see you there. I’m sure you and Ryan will do great in the last race. Go Team Penske for the Championship.
BIG HUG from Rhonda
@BA: I love Kevin Skinner. I just hope somebody is looking out for him when he gets to Las Vegas!
Castroneves Racing: That article about Helio planning to give his ring to Kati was in the Indianapolis Star Newspaper last week dated September 17…an article by Curt Cavin at http://www.indystar.com
Nice job, Helio. I’m glad you were not hurt when you slammed into that wall. I don’t know how you drivers can withstand those forceful impacts and turn around and race the next day. I know you have the best safety equipment on your cars but you also have to be in great physical condition. Not to mention that your love of racing has to keep you going too. Even though my husband would watch open wheel racing, I never would have come to appreciate all that the teams and drivers must do just to stay in the race had I not watched you on DWTS. For that I’m thankful. My husband sent me a text the other day telling me that my favorite Pittsburgh Steeler player had been injured in this season’s opening game and will be out for 3-6 weeks. Well, when I read his name I thought to myself: I know he doesn’t drive for Indycar and I don’t recall his name in Formula 1… hmmm, it took me five minutes before I remembered who he was. That says allot about how big a fan of open wheel racing I’ve become. I grew up in Pennsylvania and began watching football with my Dad when I was twelve years old. I found it hard to believe that I actually missed the opening game of the season when my favorite team was playing in it. GO INDY!
kelly~
10th after having to come from the back is very good Helio. Wish it had been higher, but I know you’re not going to hang your head over that.
I agree. Ryan is definately picking up on your attitude. Hopefully, you two can work together in a few weeks and you can help him win the championship (your year is 2010, I just know it).
Enjoy your weeks off until Homestead. Are you going to Petit LeMans as a fan next weekend? I know you have some good friends racing.
WOW—you really hit that wall!! But nice come-back & way to stay focused in the race!
Still can’t believe you drive soooo FAST! Its amazing to me!
Saw some pictures & glad you had fun in Japan!
Enjoy your weeks off!
your fan
What a night for Team Penske at Motegi!So glad that you were able to hang onto 10th after going to the back-up..still in 4th,good job there.Ryan will recover after that costly mistake.He has matured alot…..must be listening to you,Helio…..and it was good to see he acknowledged that mistake instead of blaming someone or something!
Now we have to wait another couple of weeks to Homestead.(The IRL really needs to get this racing schedule adjusted for us fans……racing withdrawal symptoms set-in!)We have every faith that you and Ryan will shine …….kick those Gnassi boys to the curb.Ryan is in a good position to take back that lead and get a Championship,with a good race and luck on his side.
2010 will be a better year for you and we shall see you raise that Championship Trophy..but lets not forget ..you are our Champion no matter what in 2009.To overcome all you did this year and to finish out in the top 5 and the Indy 500 win,I’d say that is pretty amazing.
Have a safe trip back to the USA.Looking foreward to Homestead.
added……..Helio ,please tell Roger that all your fans want to see you and Ryan back in the Rolex 24 hour in January.He needs to put together a program for you guys!!!
A top ten finish from the back of the pack, way to go Helio!!
Finally saw your crash from qualifying. Hard hit! Glad you’re OK.
Just two more races to go and you get your quiet off season you need.
Good luck in the race today/tonight/tomorrow – this timezone difference is crazy! Hoping for a podium finish for you and Team Penske. So sorry to see that you crashed in qualifying and will be starting from the back – another challenge but I’m sure you and the #3 team are up to it. Just glad that you were ok even if the car wasn’t.
We’ll be watching and cheering you on from Ohio. Go Helio!
Helio, I stayed up for the entire practices and quals last night and early this morning. So sorry about your quals – you were on a very quick lap. Looked like you were OK – sure hope that’s the case today. The #3 needs some TLC, however! LOL Can’t wait to watch you drive from the back to the front tonight. Looking for a podium win, yes indeed! Go Helio, Go Team Penske!
GOOD LUCK & GODSPEED!
BE VERY QUICK!
MOST IMPORTANT, AS ALWAYS, STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
Oi…!!!
Que pena o que acabou acontecendo no qualifying…estava torcendo p/ tu sair na pole, de novo…mas de tudo isso, o mais importante é que tu esteja realmente bem…
Te desejo uma melhor sorte na corrida!!! Estarei assistindo!!!
Até mais…
Helio,
Just checked to see how qualifying went to read that you side swiped the safty barrier. I hope that you are o.k.. I’m not worried about you starting in back though, we know how good you are at moving to the front. Go Fast but please no more crashes. BIG HUG from Rhonda
Gosh I wake up to find out you crashed during qualifying.
But I’m not worried about you. I know you can make your way to the front. We got the bad run of the weekend out of the way. All there is is a smooth race and, hopefully, a big victory for you.
Will be cheering tonight. Love you Helio.
Helio,
Sorry that you crashed during your qualification run.
The good thing is that you are safe and uninjured.
I’m sure that your crew will work hard to get you back on track.
You are an amazing driver, whose patience and skill can overcome
a last place start and make it a first place finish.
Good Luck!!
@3Penskefan: Thanks for doing that.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090917/SPORTS0107/909170427/1052/SPORTS01/No+championship++but+Helio+content+with+500+win
In case Paige doesn’t see your request…..www.indystar.com
Curt Cavin article…..hope this helps…
Good Luck Helio. I will be up late watching you on “live streaming”….VERY late..
your fan
WOW us this weekend… just like the local chicken catcher wowed our little Kentucky town on America’s Got Talent. Yep… I’m a hillbilly and proud of it!
@Paige: Hello Paige, Helio asked where you read about that ? He wants to read it too, and give it to Kati with the ring. Thanks!
Good luck in Japan Helio! I’ll be cheering for you. Will be changing into my Helio shirt right after school (if I could wear it to school I would).
I also read what you’re planning to do with your 2002 Indy winner’s ring when you get your 2009 ring. Very sweet that you’re going to give it to Kati.
Go get ‘em, Helio! Let ‘em stroke their way around for championship points….Go blow their friggin’ sidepods off!!!! Let’s end this season’s last two races with WINS!!!!!!
Godspeed!
Tony Massey
beachracer2@yahoo.com
Hey, Helio! Looks like it’s going to be an all-nighter for us here in the states! LOL As long as indycar.com stays on the air, I’ll be watching starting with first practice at 8pm ET tonight.
As always, I wish you…..
GOOD LUCK & GODSPEED!
BE VERY QUICK!
MOST IMPORTANT, AS ALWAYS, STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
Wishing you the victory this weekend. Godspeed.
kelly~
as always……
Drive fast, stay safe and have fun!!!!!!!
Best of luck in the quals and the race!
Oops. Forgot to add, thank you Castroneves Racing for including the times! I was surprised to see that qualifying isn’t live on Versus. I hope you guys will sneak us the results so we can celebrate WHEN Helio wins the pole for the fourth time!
Good luck, Helio! We’ll all be staying up extra late to watch you over here in the US! :’)
GOOD LUCK HELIO!!!!!!!!! XOXO