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The Brazilian driver won in track, what would be his second victory of the year and 24th in the IZOD IndyCar series, but was penalized on the grounds of blocking Will Power in final re-start.
Although Helio Castroneves of Team Penske, was the winner of the Honda Indy Edmonton, the 11th stage of the 2010 IZOD Indycar Series raced in Canada today, the points the 1st place was awarded to New Zealander Scott Dixon, the Chip Ganassi Racing.
According to the race chief steward of the Indy Racing League, Brian Barnhart, Castroneves was penalized for, in the opinion of the sports authorities, blocking the Australian Will Power (Team Penske) during the re-start on lap 92.
The race ended on lap 95 and the Brazilian was confirmed as the 10th place, after the penalty of 20s added to his final time. “Obviously, I disagree with the decisions made by the race officials on the last restart in today’s race. It was absurd, because I never changed my racing line,” said Castroneves.
However, the driver lamented the fact that he acted emotional after the race and wished to apologize. “Although we do not agree to the penalty, but there is no excuse for my actions after the checkered flag. I apologize to my team, our sponsors, the fans and the entire IZOD IndyCar Series community for my behavior. My actions were totally wrong and I acted inappropriately to some people who are my friends and people I respect very much. Obviously, I am a very emotional person and today I let my emotions get the better of me and I’m very sorry for that. ”
Versão em PortuguesHelio Castroneves vence em Edmonton, mas recebe punição
O piloto brasileiro conquistou, na pista, aquela que seria a sua segunda vitória no ano e 24ª na Fórmula Indy, mas foi punido sob a alegação de bloquear Will Power na última relargada
(Domingo, 25 de julho de 2010) – Apesar de o piloto brasileiro Helio Castroneves, do Team Penske de Fórmula Indy, ter sido o grande vencedor da Honda Indy Edmonton, a 11ª etapa do 2010 IZOD Indycar Series disputada hoje no Canadá, os pontos da 1ª colocação foram atribuídos ao neozelandês Scott Dixon, da Chip Ganassi Racing.
De acordo com o comissário chefe de corridas da Indy Racing League, Brian Barnhart, Castroneves foi penalizado por, no entender das autoridades desportivas da prova, ter bloqueado o australiano Will Power (Team Penske) quando da relargada na volta 92. Os protestos não foram aceitos em razão de o regulamento da categoria não admitir recurso para bandeira preta (drive-thru), mesmo neste caso, quando não houve tempo para que a punição fosse cumprida.
A prova foi encerrada na volta 95 e o brasileiro foi confirmado como o 10º colocado, pois teve 20s acrescidos ao seu tempo final. “Obviamente que eu não concordo com as decisões tomadas pela direção de prova. Foi um absurdo, pois eu não mudei minha trajetória”, disse Castroneves.
Entretanto, o piloto lamentou o fato de ter agido de maneira emocional após a prova e fez questão de pedir desculpas. “Apesar de não concordar com a punição, não há desculpas para minhas ações depois da bandeira quadriculada. Peço desculpas à minha equipe, os nossos patrocinadores, fãs e toda a comunidade IZOD IndyCar Series pelo meu comportamento. Minhas ações foram totalmente erradas e agi de forma inadequada em relação a algumas pessoas que são minhas amigas e que eu respeito muito. Sou uma pessoa muito emocional e hoje eu deixei minhas emoções me dominarem. Sinto muito por isso”.
Jornalista Responsável
Américo Teixeira Jr. (MTB 18.702)
@dmotorsport
55 19 9749-8111
press@diariomotorsport.com.br
Assessor de Imprensa do Piloto Helio Castroneves no Brasil
Love you Helio – good luck in Kentucky. Don’t let Edmonton ruin your season or your spirit. Your fans are with you always!
Helio, excellent finish after seeing what happen at that race, scary. Was there as I am at 5 races a year to watch you race. Also get the chance to see you at autograph sessions. 25 races and about as much autograph sessions, I sensed sadness and unhappiness on your face signing autographs, for the very first time ever. Hope all is well with you and yours. Prayers with you as always and EXCellent Excellent finish. God Bless
GO GET ALL OF THEM IN KENTUCKY
There were a few times during the race my husband and I shouted Whoa! but I had no idea any rules were broken. I just thought going four wide was suitable to that particular track. Wish I could have heard your post race interview. TK & Hunter-Reay expressed similar thoughts but they weren’t specific. Wish I had an easy link to a report about it, since I don’t have much time as of late to surf the web. If any of your fans know of a good detailed article, maybe they can post it. I told my husband I was surprised there were no major accidents in that race. He replied, and I agree with him, that it was a great testament to the skill of the drivers that that didn’t happen during the race.
Godspeed.
Kelly~
Great, but crazy race this weekend, but you could tell you were really digging to get in the top 5. Sending an early welcome to My Old Kentucky Home this weekend. Hopefully, the winds of change are blowing in KY and you get that win!
I’m never said to hear of a comeback from you to sixth.
Didn’t know about the complete craziness last night. Thankfully nobody got hurt.
Hope you improve five positions in Kentucky.
Wow, Helio, what a race! I think your finishing P6 was outstanding considering the problems you encountered, especially that pit stop. You certainly placed way ahead of Ryan and William after they had lead so much of the race.
I listened carefully to your post-race interview on the IMS radio, and I couldn’t agree with you more! Many stupid and reckless moves on the track throughout the race. As you said, where were the black flags last night? I was holding my breath afraid ‘the big one’ was going to occur at any moment! I think it was a miracle it didn’t happen. After listening to other drivers on TV and via Twitter interviews, they were saying the exact same things you were. So, where was TGBB last night?
Looking forward to KY, Helio. Again, congrats on a great race last night!
All things considered, 6th place finish ended up being pretty good for you. Too bad you had that bad pit stop, but 6th was a good recovery. I could see you racing hard on the last lap giving it all you had to get that top five finish, but it wasn’t meant to be. Overall, for the IRL, it was an exciting race. Looking forward to next week’s race. I really enjoy watching the oval races because more passing occurs.
Godspeed.
Kelly~
Have a great race, Helio! Godspeed.
Kelly~
Good luck tonight Helio!
Helio, climb the fence before I get in the parking lot this year, found out you won in 2008 walking to the car. It’s your day and good luck time to climb. God Bless
Good luck in Chicago Saturday night Helio. I still remember your 2008 win, one of the coolest ever.
Going to be missing the race (again), but will be wearing your colors proudly and have the “3″ neckalce I made. It has a 3 charm and three crossed checkered flag charms to represent your three Indy 500′s.
You’re the man Helio! Go out, dominate, and climb another fence (especially since you didn’t get to climb it in ’08)!
Top five finish is sweet! It was a great race for the series all around too, I thought.
Godspeed, Helio!
Helio,
Sending you Prayers, Good Luck, and Godspeed!
Be super quick but careful!
Most important, you stay safe out there!
GO GET ‘EM, HELIO!
Congrats, Helio! Penske front row for tomorrow’s race. I feel a podium win, for sure!
Best of luck at Sonoma this weekend Helio!
Missing the race, but hope to hear of you climbing a fence Sunday.
The closer the race gets the more I want to back to Sonoma again. I had so much fun the last time.
Have a great race, Helio!
Godspeed,
Kelly~
Yay! Helio, you’re going to Australia in October to race the V8 Supercars. How thrilling is this?!
Cannot wait. I’m assuming that the race will be carried in the USA like the SP race in 2008.
Noticed via Twitter that you have a full week of PR appearances for the entire week! A very important appearance will be tonight at the TMS for the big announcement by IICS and NASCAR. I think it’s just wonderful that you are THE DRIVER representing the IICS! You are indeed THE FACE OF INDYCAR! Livestream via Texas Motor Speedway website.
Looking forward to the race this weekend! Go get ‘em, Helio!
Just watched the video with Charles..two great guys!
Great recovery from last week to finish on the podium. They can’t keep a good driver down. Enjoyed the video with Charles. He’s a good sport!!
Helio, It was great seeing you and Kati at Mid-Ohio! It was also fun seeing you standing on the podium. You should have sent one of those hats my direction tho. Hehehe. Please tell Adriana “Hi” and give the little Sweetheart a kiss from us. Lots of Love and a BIG HUG from Rhonda & Tom.
Congratulations on the podium finish and, as others have already said, continuing to be the “class act” that we’ve come to know and love. Thanks for the call-out to your fans for their support throughout this unfair situation, not that it was ever in question. And now we’ll patiently wait another couple of weeks for that next fence climb!
Whoohoo, podium win yesterday! Great race, Helio! I watched and listened to the entire race via your in-car camera and radio communication between you and Tim. Much preferred listening to the two of you than watching/listening to rehashing on Versus. BTW, Davey Hamilton on IMS radio has never wavered in his support of you! Go Davey!
Loved that you kept the letter the little girl wrote to you about the Edmonton debacle. Also really appreciated the video of you and Charles that’s posted on penskeracing – it’s priceless. You continue to be a class act and a special man, my friend, both on the track and off. I’m very proud to be your fan!
Helio Great Race
Congrats on a great finish today, Helio! And you’re such a class act, after the Edmonton debacle. I admired the way you stood your ground that the call was inconsistent. I am disappointed that Versus chose to go back to a block in the Toronto race so as to stand by Barney’s call against you in Edmonton. I would really like Versus and Barney to address why Will wasn’t flagged at the start of the race. I would also like to know why it was wrong for you to not move on the outside while it was okay for Will to go outside and force a foul onto you. That is another inconsistency pertaining to that call. If Will went to the inside in his attempt to pass, you would have had to go outside. Talk about creating an unsafe condition on the track and a contradiction regarding what is and isn’t permissible. That call was and still is a crock, IMO.
Godspeed, Helio.
Kelly~
Great run today Helio. So proud of you.
Can’t wait for Sonoma. Maybe THERE we’ll have one more RC fence climb.
Good Luck today.
Good luck in the race today, Helio!
Hi Helio:
in almost every other car racing sport,you can at least
protect your line,when leading a race when leading,& I am
so upset at what they did to you,that words cant describe
how I feel.I am not sure I will even watch any more IRL races
after that ridiculous decision.I love IRL,but they will 100%
lose fans from that crazy,& stupid decision. you won the race
PERIOD !!! I recorded that race,& watched the end 6 times,and
if that was an intensional block,then its no use to even watch
anymore. it sucks,big time,& you are a class act,even though Dario
is my favorite-maybe because of his famous wife haha.it took a lot
of guts to grab that security guard,that was twice your size haha.
that part was kinda fun,& I would have done exactly the same thing.
I still dont count that as a block at all,& you are the winner-period.
good luck August 8th !! Barnhart should watch more Nascar & Formula One.
I am watching qualifying & still so upset,that I cant even express how
I feel.its just no right at all,& Dixon really was a jerk,at saying you
blocked him.I now hate the guy.unreal & too bad he wasnt on your side.
good luck
Bob http://www.bobsclassics.com
Helio, PLEASE bring your talents and fun to NASCAR.
Enough of this ridiculous IRL baloney. (Insult to baloney).
Why should I waste a few hours to see you, when they’re gonna cheat when it suits them?
One more thing: Wil Power is a rotten, whiner, baby of-a-teammate. When he didn’t back you, I wanted to throw up.
NASCAR=Stars.
Great practice yesterday, Helio! Will be watching this morning, too. Good luck in the quals this afternoon. Be quick, Godspeed, and stay safe out there!
Goooooo, Helio!!!
Oi….!!!
Falando ainda em Edmonton…foi como uma facada no coração a barbaridade que fizeram contigo…imagino que a multa no bolso(que não foi leve, hein..!!) não tenha causado tanta dor quanto a bandeira preta…, mas estou aqui p/ falar em Mid-Ohio…te desejar uma ótima corrida e tentar esquecer Edmonton…
E, o teu livro…vai ter uma versão em português?
Beijo p/ todos!!!
Not only does the law need rewritten, drivers need to know if it always applies throughout the race or does it only apply to drivers who are in a position to win the race.
Hope you have a great race this weekend, Helio. Godspeed.
Dear Helio:
I’ve seen many times the end of the race, and I still believe it was YOUR race and was STOLEN. You never blocked Power. When I melt Helio CastroNeves was a gentleman racing go-karts in Colombia supporting Montoya and Connie Freidel’s foundation for kids. I interviewed you back then in 2005. Your attitude with the stewards was not right but in the same unfair situation…I would do the same. I’m sure many racing fans agree with me that we accept your apologize. You deserved to win. Now, show that people you were right and go to the podium. Greetings from Colombia.
I highly agree with you Helio at IndyCar’s “blocking rule” needs to be re-written.
Can’t wait for Mid Ohio this weekend. Got a good feeling that you will be successful this weekend.
@Marianne: It occurred to me that if you make any donations toward Helio’s fine, you should make sure that you send Castroneves Racing a PRIVATE e-mail with the amount you donated and your name. I’m not a tax specialist inany way, but my guess is that there would be some tax implications for Helio and Castroneves Racing and while I’m sure Helio appreciates the gesture, the last thing he needs is to run afoul of the IRS.
Better safe than sorry!!! I’m sure Castroneves Racing would consult a tax attorney regarding any implications with the IRS.
@Marianne: In most states this is public information at the Secretary of State’s Office, typically in a Division of Corporations as in the case in Indiana. Here is the link the the Corporate Profile for Indy Racing League from the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office:
https://secure.in.gov/sos/bus_service/online_corps/view_details.aspx?guid=DBC0DE87-78A5-4C92-9624-A3807BF81C89
Note that Brian Barnhardt is listed as registerd agent and is likely the person to get the mail or checks unless you address your letters to another person in the organization such as Randy Bernard. Hope that helps.
@B.A.: I’m willing to donate the cost of a ticket to the race.
@Marianne: I had that same thought too. If we can find a way to send the money, count me in. Wished they would donate it to a charity of Helio’s choice though and not put it into operating coffers. But I’m game to donate to help pay the fine.
I am disappointed in the fine for Helio but relieved that there was no suspension ( the only smart move since the dumb call/black flag. ) I think it would be cool (as race fans and HELIO FANS) is everyone sent $10. toward the fine. I wouldnt want to get Helio in any tax trouble so we could send it to the powers that be…who are collecting the rediculios fine. Anybody out there have the address ?
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND ON OHIO.
Helio, you’re in my fantasy picks this weekend along with William (just because he’s been good on RCs this year), Justin Wilson, Rafa, and Mario (for now since I’m still not sure who I want for #5).
My secret wish is for a podium that consists of you, TK, and Rafa with you on the top step.
Already making the plans for Sunday. Going out for Dad’s birthday lunch, but making plans to be at my granny’s before the pre-race to see you and your smiling face. Excited about the race because history shows that you have a habit of kicking butt when you’ve been wronged or your back’s against the wall. Can’t wait!
Helio, you should NOT have been black flagged nor given a penalty for not going to the pits, because you did nothing wrong to deserve the penalty in the first place.
You won the race outright. PERIOD!!!
Please refrain from writing about race, color or sex. Comments will have to be removed if we feel it’s offensive. Thank you!
@Debbi: Thanks Debbi. Years ago I was a juror on a criminal case involving an Hispanic young man. I was one of eleven white jurors and one very young Hispanic girl I suppose was selected for the appearance of non-bias. I was proud of that jury because, after selecting our foreman, we took a vote to see where the whole jury stood. We were unanimous that he was not guilty on both counts. The judge commended us in private. We asked the judge how a case like that ever makes it to trial. He said if the city could get a conviction, the young man could not successfully sue the city for his mistreatment. The police had hog-tied him and placed him in a squad car for hours, deciding what to do with him. They released him without charges. Only when the victim’s family filed a suit (the young man was a high school student at the time of incident) did the police slap two bogus charges against him. The prosecutor showed us a photo of the officer’s lip which was alleged to have been punched by the student. There was nothing wrong with his lip and the prosecutor had the audacity to say in his closing remarks that “just because you couldn’t see anything doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.” I’m not kidding! Oh, and the whole incident was caught on tape by the school on which premises the abuse took place. There were two tapes and wouldn’t you guess that the pertinent one was lost by the police department. This experience is why I know the abuse is already taking place. I forgot to mention that the victim was an Hispanic-American citizen.
Sadly, many conservative voters are buying into the lies being spread as propaganda about the crime rates as Republican-conservatives knowingly deceive the populace to regain control of Congress. And they flatter their followers, telling them how much better they are because of their anti-abortion and anti-gay stances, all the while ignoring that Jesus said “Judge not lest ye be judged.” and that Christ died for sinners. And those deceivers do so to prop up an Oligarchy and Slavery based upon wealth because the love of money is the ROOT of ALL EVIL.–Daniel 11:32; Matthew 24:9-13; 23:23-28; 7:1-5; 2nd Corinthians 5:14-19; Romans 5:6-8,15-16; John 10:10; 8:31-32,42-47; 1st Timothy 6:10; Jude 10-13. To mention a few.
Sorry, Helio. I’m not going to hijack your website. I just can’t help but wonder if the IRL has a bit of racial tensions in it’s midst. Seems silly given that Apex-Brazil is a sponsor, but hey! They weren’t afraid to take your money from you either. ~ Regardless of the parties/races involved, a taskmaster never wants to have a sharing with the ones he formerly oppressed out of fear of retribution. It is what it is. But perfect love casts fear outside because fear acts as a restraint against it.(1John 4)
Godspeed, Helio, and may the peace of God that excels all thought comfort you.
Kelly~
A spiritually alien resident of Arizona
Helio, good luck this weekend. I will NOT be watching this weekend because of all this. Until Barnhart is replaced or steps down, I’m not going to watch any more road or street races. See you in Chicagoland.
@Kelly: I don’t live in AZ (never will !). Amen to your comments !
I have watched the replays over and over. I have been involved (car builder, crew) in racing for over 40 years. That was RACING, not blocking! The IndyCar series has lost me and my money until they can get it right.
Sometimes the wrongs committed against us require an angry response. Your P.C. apology is OK, but not required by any of us fans. All the best in the future. I will continue to follow your success.
Because we could all use a good laugh now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hly0vuXPG-M
@Paige: Thanks.
@Kelly: Abbreviation for victory lane.
Helio, We are sorry to hear about the fine and probation. There is no way that anyone will eve convince us that you blocked. I guess things could have been worse, you could have been suspended. So I guess it’s to move on and consentrate on the Mid-Ohio. We are looking forward to seeing you Friday. Take it easy relax with Adriana and that sweet little girl. That is what it is all about.
See you this weekend. BIG HUGS from Rhonda & Tom
Sad series of events. Barnhardt seems to selectively enforce the blocking rule and Helio seems to be the victim of what appears to be a bias since I’ve never seen that call on another drive in spite of many opportunities to call it. Mr. Barnhardt’s actions have damaged the credibility and reputation of IndyCar as an organization and while Helio may be suffering now, you can rest assured that Mr. Barnhardt has shined a very unflattering light on himself and even the hint of skullduggery in the future will land him out of a job. Can’t really defend Helio’s response after the race although not sure I would have reacted any better. Who can guess how anyone would react in that situation? Most of the drivers and certainly the network commentators thought it was a bad call and the race was stolen from Helio. Barnhardt’s interview following the race made him appear smug and arrogant. He is a poor reprentative of IndyCar and the sport of racing. Still, the season moves on and everyone must move on with it. ONWARD AND UPWARD!! GO GET EM, RACING CHAMPION!!
@Paige:
Paige, what is VL? Versus Live? If so, will it reair?
Randy said he has full confidence in Barney and that two others, Al Unser Jr. and I forget the other, were in agreement with Barney that Helio blocked. If that was the case, why did Barney need to ask Will? I hate conspiracies and I think the IRL is engaged in a big one. In the words of Helio, if I may borrow them for a moment, “I have nothing smart to say” about that. Just usual corporate BS! I hope that as Helio continues to be a successful businessman he remembers his experiences here when dealing with his own employees in order to protect his spirit from straying away from the spirit of love and goodness (the Spirit of God).
I think the only thing that could cause me to take this in stride would be if Barney showed up at Mid-Ohio in a purple dinosaur suit. Or maybe just a purple suit. It’s the gesture that counts.
Godspeed, Helio.
That fine was way too much!!! They should have been concentrating on giving you back your win!
Basically, Randy’s response was that they wanted to suspend him but they didn’t because Helio is too important to the IRL. Randy said some fans already purchased tickets to see Helio and others want to see the best drivers. Ergo, Helio’s value exists on more than one count. But what the fans saw happen in Edmonton wasnt worth the price of their tickets. Why would they, Randy & Barney, want to suspend Helio, as was stated in the article? Is that the punishment outlined in the rulebook for such an infraction? If so, the IRL magistrates broke their own rule, but no grace for Helio. If it’s not a rule, why did they want to suspend him?
Oh please!
Ok. I can’t even read the article on Indycar.com without feeling disgust. I’m walking away. As has been clearly demonstrated on Wind Tunnel, the “call” was not applied to all drivers. The IRL must think the fans are stupid because both Barney’s and Randy’s comments were arrogant and an insult that I take personally. I couldn’t even finish the article I was so thoroughly disgusted. All organizations ultimately work for the devil because they depend upon money; and where money goes the love of money is close behind. “the love of money is the root of all evil” and I long for the day when the kingdom of God destroys it all.(Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10; First Timothy 6:9-10; Luke 16)
Sorry, but that article was so repulsive to me I almost feel like throwing up! I’m usually stronger about this kind of thing because it is the way of this world. But their reasoning is gross. Hopefully I will recover enough to care about Indycar again. We’ll see.
Best Wishes, Helio, and Godspeed.
I just heard the announcement that Helio was penalized $60,000 for his actions following the puported block. Certainly the head of IRL security (Charles Burns?) should have been frightened when someone as tall and heavy as Helio shook his collar. I guess that was why Mr. Burns was laughing at the time.
If Brian Bonehead would like to understand blocking, I direct his attention to video of the Fi race at Hungaroring this past weekend. Michael Schumacher performed a textbook block when he attempted to drive Rubens Barrichello into the pit wall while Barrichello was passing. Beyond this though, the race was a veritable block-fest as driver after driver changed his line going into a corner. If only Mr. Bonehead had been in charge, EVERY DRIVER would have been penalized 10 grid positions like Schuey was! Where, oh where, is BB when we need him? I fully expect Bernie Ecclestone to steal Bonehead away from the IICS so he can bring “order” to F1, a state that is sadly lacking in favor of intense and thrilling competition.
I am anxious to hear on Indycar Weekly tonight if Randy announces any “restructuring” of this system of one man rule. If not, I won’t give the IRL but one more chance to prove it’s a respectable organization. If it slips up one more time, I will walk away as a fan, regardless of who the victim is.
Although I’m disheartened by your penalty, I can halfway understand why it was necessary. I think one or the other, either the fine or probation, would have sufficed. Both seems too harsh considering that it was they who royally scre@ed you over. It’s like adding insult to injury or rubbing salt in your wound, almost like they’re taunting you. I gotta let this go now, or I’m gonna work myself into a tirade.
Go with God in your heart, Helio, and HE will reward you with a crown of righteousness that glorifies HIm and no man. God will grant you the power to overcome the spirit behind your foes when you remain in His Spirit. Godspeed!
Your Fan,
Kelly~
Arizona–The State of Hate:(
Helio, We are still pulling for you. Sorry B. Barnhart doesn’t know what he is doing. hang in there.
@Paige: Oh. And how could I forget: Mikaella stealing the show in VL with her cuteness.
Just read what the penalty is: fine of $60,000 and probation for the remainder of the season.
Glad it wasn’t worse and excited about Mid Ohio. #3 in victory lane and Helio on the fence!!!
$60,000 fine…hurts the pocketbook, but all considered they had to do something. It is what it is…as far as the fine, but the call and/or the blocking rule is still very subjective, but I’m ready to move on as I know you are too!
Helio sorry you received a fine, if Barnhart had guts he would have admitted he made a mistake an you won the race. BUT I am so HAPPY that you will be racing, if you weren’t it would be the unforgivable because you are Indy and your fans would have probably rioted. HaHa. Good Luck and God Bless.
Come back and win all the rest of the races, will be at 4 of them rooting you on.
Randy Bernard will be a guest on Indycar Weekly tonight. Does that mean we won’t hear about any rulings towards Helio until then? Wonder if there will be any rulings towards TGBB (aka Barney)?
I’m on pins and needles as I wait for the result of your meeting today with race officials.
I found this interesting: in an article by Curt Cavin, dated July 28th, Curt wrote, “Barnhart said his decision will come after he has spoken with the Brazilian.”
Given past expressions by reporters that I’ve heard over the last few years, it really concerns me that Helio seems to be labeled as a Brazilian. Maybe I am overly sensitive to it because of the conservative racist government we have here in Arizona. But I don’t think that’s the case because I’ve noticed it happening long before Jan Brewer was appointed as governor (that is right, she is not an elected official) and signed SB1070 into law. However, I don’t deny that it increases my concern to see so many Americans express support for an unconstitutional law. That reveals to me that Americans, by and large, don’t appreciate the freedom they have because once you take it away from one group of people it sets the precedence for them to come after you. Conservative fascism is increasing rapidly here, but it is nothing new to the corporations which have abused Latinos for years in their home countries.
I also enjoyed seeing Tim on Wind Tunnel. The video of Will taking the same line to protect his position should be evidence enough that Barney showed bias and the win should be given back to you. It also throws mud in the faces of all those drivers who took Barney’s side like brown-nosers.
Hope it all goes well for you tomorrow.
Godspeed,
Kelly~
Az–Red & Racist:(
I just finished watching replay of Officials ruling @ Edmonton. I totally disagree with their call, and beleive you are the winner. I also believe you deserve a trophy for not punching the official who had nerve to smile-laugh when you grabbed him.
Loved seeing Tim on Wind Tunnel Helio. I completely understand why you two are still working together after all these years.
Also wasn’t paying as much attention to the start of the race (probably was asked yet another stupid question). Where was the consistency.
Best of luck tomorrow. I’ll be thinking about you and waiting for a positive tweet that you will not receive futher penalties.
I agree that Tim did very well on Wind Tunnel. Helio, you bring more than they know to Indy racing. I also liked that the start of the race was shown, where William followed the exact same line at the start of the race, which you were called for blocking but no call on william for the identical move. Maybe Barnharts rules only apply to you. ???? Prayers with you Helio
Tim did very well on Windtunnel tonight….he is right on the mark when he said you bring so much to the sport.
Thoughts are with you this week as you meet with IRL. Hope things go favorably. Chin up and keep the faith buddy. We are always here for you!
Helio, Mine and Tom’s thoughts are and prayers are with you this week as you go before the IRL board. I know you lost your temper but who could blame you. I can see myself doing the same thing. It may not have looked good on the IRL but you have apoligized, I think that should be enough for the IRL. You are an emotional man that is one of the things that we love about you. So when you go before the board this week, remember how many fans you have behind you. We are not disappointed in you. We are disappointed in Brian Barnhart who I think wanted to make Ganassi’s day by giving him 2 wins that day. We are still disappointed in William. Do we think he should be let go from Team Penske? No. Do we think he needs to come down from that pedistal he has put himself on? Yes. We think he needs to learn how to say “No comment” in times like these. He still has a ways to go to learn what being a team player really means. Looking forward to seeing you at Mid-Ohio on Friday. Lots of Love and Prayers, BIG HUG from Rhonda and Tom.
As disappointed as I am at Will’s response, I wouldn’t go as far as saying he should be let go. I don’t know his history, but I can imagine being on a tightly knit team like Penske is new to him. I also can imagine that this experience can help refine him by having the team forgive him, thereby pulling him in more closely for the cohesion of the whole team. Maybe, just maybe, some of us having been blaming Will for the manner in which TGBB interpreted what he said much the same way as some people condemn the Bible according to knee-jerk interpretations which produces the false doctrines that mislead many away from what the Word of God actually says. I think Will has demonstrated himself to be a great asset to his team and it isn’t unreasonable to apply a learning curve in this situation. My apologies to Will (if he reads this) if I previously rushed to judgement against him.
Helio, I still stand with you that you were robbed, but it is the fault of one man’s decision regardless of how he arrived at it. I hope you and Will can continue to work together as teammates. But I also hope that Roger hasn’t blamed you for losing a 1-2 finish for Team Penske. You passed Will fairly and squarely, and you had every right to try to hold that position. It isn’t your fault that Will didn’t discern sooner that his car was not up to the speed needed to overtake you.
Godspeed,
Kelly~
Arizona, A Red and Racist State
Helio, from what I saw when you came into that turn you were looking good and setting your car up for that turn, i realize you are a very emotional person and i agree with you, you never blocked him so just keep up the good work and i love you no matter what!!! i am praying for you and hoping all works out for the best.
you should nos excuse yourself, is natural to react like that, after such stupid relling.
people who has not race, should not be allowed to be official. I have never seen such an absurd penalty, can you imagine what would they penalised Senna after that marvolouse race with Mansell at Monaco… You were racing, protecting your lead…jus absurd, no words…
for the race lovers, you are the winner period…
best regards
From Perú
Ernesto
I wonder whatever has happened to racing? You weren’t blocking anyone and the rules have taken a lot of the fun out of it for everyone. It looked like (at least to us) that you slid a little bit after the turn and it wasn’t intentional. Actually we think that Brian B. just doesn’t like you for some reason. Anyway, good luck for the rest of the season and stay positive especially when the chips are down.
Helinho eu até chorei de raiva com que fizeram com vc ?? foi muita sacanagem esse cara tem que ser mandado embora isso sim!!
Vc merecia aind amais essa vitoria por ter feito uma bela corrida
é verdade que vc vai sair da Indy e vai para Nascar??
Helio, I hope you’re enjoying your weekend off and spending it with that growing little girl of yours. No doubt she’s been making you smile this week.
Hope that the meeting with the league next week will be good and they will not penalize you more than you’ve been (I think losing that win was penalty enough and unfair and unjust) or, if they must, it is nothing too serious.
You have awesome fans and people around you who know that the guy causing a scene Sunday was your evil twin. LOL! All kidding aside, everyone snaps sometimes. And you had every right to snap.
Can’t wait for Mid Ohio. You WILL win and it WILL NOT be taken away from you.
Helinho não se deixe abater por causa dessa maldita punição força e vamos com tudo para Mid-Ohio tenho certeza q vc é determinado um heroi estou junto com vc pilotando o Carro 3 e vamos trazer essa vitória pro nosso Automobilismo força Helio estou com vc
abraços do amigo e fã
Felipe Scur – Porto Alegre, RS
we love you Helio!!!!!!!!!!
what BB did to you was totally unjust!
I’m sure that I he shows his face at any of the remaining races he will be BOOOOOOOOOed by everyone!!
This link was posted by someone at Helio’s Facebook wall:
http://oilpressure.wordpress.com/2010/07/28/brian-and-helio-not-a-love-story/
It’s very interesting speculation.
I was reading an article that takes the opposite position than you and your fans, Helio. He claims, and video seems to support, that you followed the same line when you passed Will. Did you receive a warning after you made that pass, following the same line? I ask because no such warning was reported either during or after the race. If there was no warning, then TGBB would be hypocritical when you followed the same exact line when Will try to pass you. Both times Will failed to overtake you. So why is there this inconsistency? Of course, if there was a warning for the first incident, that would not be the case.
Godspeed,
Kelly~
from the state that mandates bigotry
Ok, so I’m a bit behind, I’ve only just watched the race from edmonton – and I believe that technically Milka Duno won.
After Helio was given a penalty for staying on a defensive line to defend a hard-earned win and was subsequently penalised, it appears that ‘racing’ is against the rules in Indycars now. Therefore, because everyone else ‘Raced’, they should all be penalised. Milka Duno, therefore, who is absolutely incapable of racing, should be declared the winner.
Since William has made so many negative comments about Helio, setting himself so high, Helio fans need to email Roger Penske about this and hopefully since an important quality on drivers for Roger is team player, he will think twice about keeping William and his me, myself and I. Stand up for Helio who was robbed. Go Helio, they can’t keep you back.
the race was your, they took it away for you, you was again the best driver out there,
Ok, no preachiness this time. TGBB said he watched the tape and then asked Will who told him yes he was blocked, so Helio got the penalty. If the alleged block was so obvious, why did TGBB seek confirmation from Will? Perhaps TGBB was seeking cover because he knew, either consciously or subconsciously, that the call for blocking was questionable at best.
I can’t believe the varying articles on this are out there. They vary in which lap de Silvestro ran off the track. Some say you grabbed and shook both officials. All the sources that cover the IRL regularly printed these misleading statements. They could have gone back and corrected their stories in subsequent articles, but why were they so quick to hang Helio out to dry? Even Robin Miller, who didn’t report incorrectly, couldn’t stop himself from being critical of Helio’s driving style. Robin Miller is the one that cast aspersions against Brazilians in Indycar on Wind Tunnel. Why? Why? Why? This attitude seems to be widespread in racing journalism. But who is feeding them this gruel? It doesn’t appear to affect team owners and sponsors since they hire the drivers.
Hey, guys, come on! Helio needs some help on indycar.com Tire-ific Award. Please, please go vote!
Continued support for you Helio. You have many man fans who are going to “stand by their man”.
You WILL be in Mid Ohio next week and you WILL win and it WILL NOT be taken away from you.
As for William, karma may come back to bite him in the future. It’s OK though. He could use it. I think he’s got a bit of a big ego right now and needs the wind taken out of his sails a bit.
I hope you’re enjoying what time you have at home. Not even going to guess who the time is being spent with. Know it’s your girls, especially the little one who’s cute as a button. Please post a new pic of your little princess soon.
Ok, I know I said I was going to let it go, but I just read an USA Today article from a couple days ago and now I’m really upset with Will’s remarks. I did not before know that he implied you race your teammates dirty by stating that he would never race a teammate anything but “clean”. I suppose I should be thankful Will said that because it reveals his character as a driver and that is the spirit by which he handed Helio over to TGBB for his figurative crucifixtion. Little did Will realize that he had indirectly said that if it wasn’t a teammate all options are on the table. Jesus said we will be judged by our words because they reveal what’s in our hearts. I can now consider Will Power to be exposed for his bad character. Helio never revealed such an evil spirit as that could only be contrary to Spirit and Love of Goodness (aka to some of us as Almighty God). Perhaps one day Will will see the error of his ways and gain the willpower to humble himself before the Word of God, lest he remain among those arrogant, rich white guys I mentioned earlier.
Seriously, why did that journalist a couple years ago single out Brazilian drivers as bringing down the IR? If I remember correctly, the journalist was implying -in context- that the IRL would have more fans if they had more American drivers, and then singled out Brazilians? Dixon is from New Zealand; Franchitti from Scotland; Power and Briscoe are Austrailians…. But they’re all white. I’m just sayin’! I can’t yet shake that intuition that the IRL uppity mucks are out of touch with true racing fans on this issue. We want to see real racing. Franchitti has allot of wins but without any effort. And those races were the most boring races of all. A couple times after winning Dario even apologized to the fans because it wasn’t really a race. Give the drivers what they want, and the fan base will naturally increase. “If you build it, they will come.” Businesses focus on their bottom line –money– and they lose sight and minimize the value/input behind who is doing the actual work. Thereby, “the love of money” destroys it’s motherboard in the same way that it is destroying our mother earth and institutionalized hierarchical religions keep destroying the temple of God. “You are the temple of God if His Spirit dwells in you.”–First Corinthians 3:16-17 (Compare Matthew 6:19-24)
Okay, I’ll stop rambling now. Godspeed, Helio.
Kelly~
Arizona–the state seeking to create a law that protects a Police State that already abuses Hispanic-Americans.They simply want to give the police a “reasonable suspicion” clause that will prevent any victims of state-sanctioned racism from successfully suing the state for these injustices. (Yeah, it’s sickening and makes me mad as hell…. That’s why I can’t keep silent about this issue.)
Helio STAY DRIVEN william and dixon never did look too bright and the jealousy has emitted from their words alot of races, they are lucky i can’t drive they wouldn’t like me in the race in Ohio, but I will be there. God sees
Helio, STAY DRIVEN
Keep the faith, Helio. You won that race, and your reaction after the race does not warrant an apology. You had a victory stolen by the IRL… a terrible act. Clearly, there was no blocking. We love you more than ever.
Sunday was a bad day for Brazilians in open-wheel racing, and for open-wheel racing in general. Two races were decided by something other than the best car/driver combination.
You were robbed of a certain victory by really bad officiating, and Filipe Masa was robbed of a certain Formula 1 victory by his team’s orders. I’m very surprised that Will said you blocked him, when he was AHEAD OF YOU coming out of the turn.
I still love open-wheel racing, and I have since 1959 when I first heard about it. But even a great sport like that can’t survive much of this anti-race results.
I hope to see you in Baltimore!
Caro Helinho,
Fiquei estarrecido com a punição que você levou na última corrida da Formula Indy, como amante do esporte fiquei bastante decepcionado com a direção da Indy.
Não tenha vergonha das suas atitudes, garanto que muitos no seu lugar teriam a mesma reação. Você foi roubado na cara dura.
Não leve como discurso nacionalista, eu realmente sou fã do esporte e isso me deixou muito puto. Eu e meu pai não acreditamos no que estávamos vendo.
Me permita contar uma breve história. Eu e meus irmãos aprendemos a gostar de automobilismo muito cedo, graças ao nosso pai. Ainda me lembro como se fosse hoje os treinos de F-1 no autódromo Nelson Piquet em Jacarepagua. As inúmeras corridas de formulas nacionais que acompanhei no autódromo, muitas já extintas inclusive. As corridas de Formula Indy no Rio de Janeiro, verdadeiros eventos no autódromo Nelson Piquet, hoje esquecido e prestes a virar cimento para as construções dos Jogos Olímpicos de 2016.
Eu escrevi isso tudo só pra você entender o tamanho da frustação que eu tive no último Domingo. Na verdade, ver o meu pai falando que não quer mais saber de F-Indy me machucou ainda mais. Temo que ele realmente deixe de lado, assim como ele deixou a F-1, só lhe resta agora a MotoGp.
Desculpe o desabafo mas quem perde com isso é a Formula Indy, depois do último Domingo muitos brasileiros deixaram de assistir.
Força!!! Continue representando os brazucas da melhor maneira, pisando fundo.
Abraço!
Bruno Assumpção
On a another note, Helio, if you could find time to tweet an update about the oil reaching Ft. Lauderdale, about which you tweeted a photo of it a while ago, I would certainly appreciate it.
Godspeed.
Kelly~
Prezado Helio e familia Castroneves,
Sendo bem honest com todos voces, nunca me liguei muito na FYndy, mesmo morando aqui em Toronto. Ate trabalhei como fiscal em 2007. Mas isso ja tem um tempo.
Mas depois da sua atitude de domingo honrando a palabra HOMEM, acho que vou prestar mais atencao aas corridas. Vou mudar da F1, que virou palhacada para a Yndy.
Onde mesmo havendo esse tipo de atitude, um cara como voce que passou por maus pedacos em 2009 esta ai, correndo e fazendo nosso nome la fora.
Eu mesmo sei o quanto eh dificil vencer em um pais nao sendo o nosso. E mesmo sendo o Brasil as coisas andam meio estranha.
Mas perante tantos comentarios em ingles, gostaria de fazer meu comentario na lingua mae, nosso bom e velho surrado portugues.
A voce muita, muita forca nesses momentos dificies e tenha em mente que sempre tera muitas psssoas torcendo e vibrando com suas conaquistas.
Grande abraco e continue.
Salvador.
Got interrupted by a phone call, but I wanted to add that I still think there is an underlying bias behind TGBB doing this twice now to Helio. Though my husband always watched racing, and my dad too when I was growing up, I only became a real fan in the past few years, mainly because of Helio’s spiritual nature. I grew to like open-wheel racing too and now I like several drivers, but Helio will always be my first and remain at the top of my list. Anyway, in these few years I’ve only seen a race taken away from a winner twice. And both times it was Helio. Helio admitting to blocking two years ago, but he did not receive the usual warning that most drivers get. This time he didn’t even block but was black-flagged. Coincidence? I don’t get the feeling that it is. There is something more onerous going on… And it appears to be biased.
I’ll try to let this go now, in case it will help Helio move on too. In the words commonly used by Helio, “It is what it is.”
Godspeed, Helio!
kelly~
Arizona-the state where racism is the Law
Whether Helio was blocking or not, consider these facts:
1. ESPN.com–79% of those who voted answered “Helio Castroneves” when asked who the Edmonton win should have gone to.
2. SpeedTV.com–86% of those who voted answered “no” when asked if Helio was blocking on the final restart, while 90% voted “no” when asked if Barnhart made the right call.
3. Indycar.com–currently, 62% of those voting have chosen “Helio Castroneves” for the Tire-ific move of the race award.
Interesting statistics, don’t you think? The point is this–the fan opinion should count for SOMETHING. And, by the looks of things, the fans obviously stand by Helio…and so do I.
I rest my case.
I just read Robin Miller’s article at Speedtv.com. Here’s an excerpt: “Of course the real irony of what happened Sunday is that Chip Ganassi, along several other owners, have been calling for Barnhart’s head the past few months and everyone in the paddock believes TGBB always favors his old boss, Roger Penske.”
Makes me wonder if TGBB (Robin’s acronym for The Great Brian Barnhart) might be trying to gain some brownie points with Ganassi in an attempt to get him off his back. In other words, trying to prove to others he doesn’t favor the Penske name in order to save his job. Robin’s article explains why he thinks TGBB needs to go. I think Robin’s right about that.
Godspeed Helio.
kelly~
Helio was ripped off…. when does holding your line becomes a infraction…. Helio had every right to be upset! We all witness Sunday Hi-tech carjacking !!!
From what I read on the web, seems Barnhart or IRL PR wants to focus on the possible consequences for Helio’s outburst so as to take attention away from the obviously unjustified black flag…I will be surprised if their is any punishment. IRL cannot afford the backlash….but they want to have our focus on the consequences of Helio’s action post race and not the call that caused the controversy.
I have looked all over the Indy web site and cannot find the contact area to send an e-mail about my opinion of Sunday’s debacle. Maybe they took it down! Any help out there?
Helio:
As a long time fan of yours, I just wanted to let you know I was appalled at the blocking
penalty at Edmomton. I simply could not believe it when I heard it and it was very
obvious it was an unfair penalty. I have watched you race for years – even saw you
race in IROC at Daytona many years ago and the fans were really behind you there also.
You are, by far, one of the best race car drivers I have seen and a joy to watch. You are also
the most popular driver in IRL, the kindest to the fans who support you and that is very
much appreciated. I, too, did not appreciate the remarks by Will Power. It’s quite
obvious he is jealous of your talent and popularity.
I can only hope that Mr. Penske will stand behind you all the way. Without you racing,
there would be nothing else to watch in IRl.
Take care Helio,
Donna
Paige: I know..our guy got a triple whammy – first,an idiotic full course yellow when the driver was completely off the course with seven or so laps to go, then, as Helio said, an “absurd” penalty, and finally a kick in the teeth by his own teammate. But if he’s ready to move on, we as his fans must too – and root him to victory in Ohio! Sure wish I could go to more races than just Indy.
Helio, You have gotten a lot of people to become interested in Indy racing. You keep them interested because you are a truly great driver. You are exciting to watch, full of personality and charm and yes, a lot of emotion. It’s all part of why your fans love you. We are with you through the ups and downs. Sunday at Edmonton definately ended down. You did nothing wrong, you only won a race. Taking it from you is very wrong. Whatever they were thinking, I cant figure out. It’s beyond outrageous. You’re still the best out there Helio and dont forget it. Hope you are doing OK.
I have never been so upset about a race. Helio won that Edmonton race and made acouple awesome moves….great passes to do it. I am very disappointed in William’s interview….he did not sound like a Penske driver….you shouldn;t throw your teamate under the bus. A letter campaign to IRL would be a good idea….they should be more concerned about the chop-job blocks and the drivers so slow that it;s dangerous and let the real racers RACE !!!! Helio…I hope you kick some butt in Ohio and CLIMB THE FENCE THERE!!!
Helio…you did win that race…I only wish we could have watched you climb the fence and celebrate. I appreciate your passion for the sport I love too. I am really worried about the officials controlling the race and determining the outcome. If you have and fines coming your way…we should all pitch in and pay them.
helio held his line he did not bob or weave. it is up to the following driver to get around. to say the lead car can not use a certain part of the authorized racing surface, is cracy it does not matter what stage of the race you are in. it is RACING!
spanish.
Helio, es increible lo que te han hecho, se les olvido todo lo que es una verdadara carrera y el porque los fans vemos o no carreras de coches, la regla por si sola es totalmente opuesta a lo que buscamos como fans de carreras, es ridiculo que te penalizen por proteger tu posicion faltando una vuelta para el final, que no se tarta de eso?, que querian que lo dejaras pasar entregando el esfuerzo de una carrera?, los fans buscan emocion, weel to weel racing, no son entrenamientos, es una carrera de profesionales, eso es lo malo de lo cuadrado y fuera de criterio de los americanos, si bien tienen grandes virtudes, del mismo tiamaño tienen sus defectos, estan acabando con open weel racing en USA, por reglas y medidas como la que te aplicaron, tu maniobra fue perfectamente decente a tu coequipero, tu reaccion tambien fue totalmente logica y no tienes porque disculparte de nada, esto es un deporte pasional y por eso es lo que es, es su esencia, pero los americanos no tienen sentido de la pasion, son cuadrados y por cierto corruptos, esto fue una injusticia en todos sus sentidos, y la regla en si ( que tonteria) sigue adelante que lo que no tiene logica ni funadamento, pronto cae por su propio peso.
que dios te bendiga.
Helio, for what it’s worth:
I have looked at the replay of the blocking incident no less than 10 times, and listened to BB’s explanation no less than 4 times.
I still don’t see the call. Power was already on the outside of Helio before “the braking zone.” To follow BB’s interpretation of the rule, should Helio have gone further left to get to the “outside” of the track? In accordance with BB’s rule interpretation, would Helio be within his rights to push Power further to the outside of the turn so he could occupy the outside of the track? Now to me, THAT would be more like “blocking” in the conventional sense. Now if Power had been trying to pass Helio on the right (it was Power that made that decision to go left), then yes, I could understand the call, even though I still would not like it.
Playing devil’s advocate here, but one could use the BB interpretation of the rule to, if someone is attempting a pass on the outside while coming up on a narrow turn, to push then right off the track, just to be sure to abide by the rule.
I don’t think the rule is a good one, as you it is forcing lead cars to take a non-optimal line (just like another NASCAR convoluted “competition” (passing) rule), and I don’t think BB applied the rule properly as stated above.
Further, if Helio was guilty, then I dare say several drivers were also guilty, also. There is cause here for officials to review the race tapes, and if several drives were guilty of such and infraction, then BB is not doing his job, and needs to be replaced, for failing to enforce the rules equitably. Or at the very least, be put on probation for unsatisfactory job performance.
If BB simply chose to singularly enforce the rule, notwithstanding that others were also guilty of the infraction, that is tantamount to race manipulation. The sport cannot have officials selectively enforcing the rules. Very NASCAR-like.
Helio nao se preocupe com esta fase , voce e um dos melhores pilotos do mundo , calma as coisas vao acontecer , voce e guereiro e guereiro sempre cai de pe.
@Nancy: I know. William was not being a teammate. Would Ryan do that? No. Sam? No. Gil? Definitely not.
What lane change? If it was, why did Will Power follow until setting up to turn? With a bad call like this and taking a win away from a champion, is it any wonder IRL is still not on the way back. Keep your head high Helio, you’re a champion and don’t need this BS. This might warrant a look at Nascar, where the racing is more competitive and profitable for sponsors; and certainly more race fan AND race driver friendly!!!
Helio, my husband and I are sorry that you got robbed of a victory. IndyCar fans everywhere are thinking about you. We all understand racing, and know the truth about what really happened. Keep your head up and try to be positive. Also, can’t wait to see you race at Mid-Ohio.
Helio, you won the race and don’t need to apologize to anyone. Really disappointing that your own teammate threw you under the bus. You’re a gentleman, always have been, always will be and everyone knows that. In this case, you were not treated like one – yet you chose to allow yourself to be interviewed and be your normal, gracious self. Just let the collective anger of all of your fans drive you to victory in Ohio. We love you!!!
I’m even madder today…I just sent a message to Penske for having your apology front and center. And I’m off to find a way to contact Indycar. My biggest issue is that at the end of the Versus showing of the race Barnhart refused to come out of the trailer because he was ‘busy reviewing’ the incident. Later I read that you can’t even challenge the call because black flag can’t be challenged. SO WHY WAS HE EVEN REVIEWING IT? If he’s going to blatantly go after one certain driver then he should at least be smart enough to not contradict himself. Indycar will lose fans this way. My husband doesn’t even watch and was hooting and hollaring at me about watching such garbage because it seems to happen way too much. GARBAGE.
Can anyone post the email address of IndyCar officials??? We all need to write to them to make them aware that we are not happy about this unjustice.
Hola Helio, I am saddened and mystified at the outcome of the Edmonton Race. Once again, an official inserts his influence to change the results of a legitimate victory. The murky and controversial lane change rule must be examined and, if possible, discarded before next season. Neither Helio nor any other driver has the advantage of overhead shots and instant replay. Heads up Helio and keep the passion and determination that makes you the best. We still pray for you and your family. CAC
Nothing for Helio to apologize for. He won the race, did nothing wrong and should be awarded the points as well… Helio doesn’t owe anyone an apology, BB owes Helio and Indy racing fans an apology…
@PenskeRed3: I have. Hard not to. Annoyed that Dixon was awarded the victory and mad at PT for wrecking Matos in the beginning.
Just listneed to Helio on IndyCar Weekly form last night. Very subdued, very down. Hugs for him.
Helio, I too hope the league is understanding of the situation and your response to the injustice. I already see a victory for you at Mid Ohio that will not be taken away from you unfairly.
Helio, as far as I am concerned, you should not have been penalized. I taped the race at home while I attended in person and then watched the replay later, and it was so obvious that you were not breaking any rules. The rules states that a driver cannot be on the inside half of the turn unless passing another vehicle, and that is obviously what you were doing. Where else were you supposed to go?? Power was right beside you and there was a car behind you so you could not have gone anywhere. There were many other instances where drivers should have been penalized in that case! This is absurd and I, for one, am behind you 100%!!!
Great race, Helio, and I am so looking forward to next year in Edmonton!
Everybody PLEASE go to indycar.com and vote for Helio………Tire-ific Move of the race”..Helio is up to 69% over Tracey.Power vote…..Lets get to 100% and send a message!!
A TODOS ANUNCIANDO COMENTARIOS
Contacto IZOD o el IRL para ayudar Helio con esta injusticia patente y para mantener una carrera una carrera.
He contactado el IRL y múltiples respuestas realmente conseguidas de ellos. Verifique mi poste abajo.
Golpéelos en los bolsillos. Los ignorantees no comprenden nada.
Espero que tradujera este visto bueno.
OLA HELIO , NAO ESQUENTA NAO!!! VOCE JÁ É UM CAMPEÃO POR NATUREZA , JÁ SUPEROU TANTAS DIFICULDADES… NÃO SE ESQUEÇA VOCÊ É UM BRASILEIRO E BRASILEIRO NÃO DESISTE NUNCA.
FÉ EM DEUS E PÉ NA TABUA –
DEUS TE ABENÇOE E SUA FAMILIA
POEIRA NELES POEIRA NELES – CAMPEÃO
ROBERTO PICCOLI – CASCAVEL PR. BRASIL
TO EVERYONE POSTING COMMENTS
Contact IZOD or the IRL to help Helio with this blatant injustice and to keep a race a race.
I have contacted the IRL and actually got multiple responses from them. Check my post below.
Hit them in the pocketbooks. The ignorant ones don’t understand anything else.
I am still fuming and lost for words…Edmonton race victory belonged to Helio Castroneves. Brian Barnhart should resign. It was very bad judgment call.
Wow, so many people feel exactly as I do about you and Sunday’s race. I hope Indy and Roger Penske realize that it is drivers like you, who are professional and hold your head high no matter what ridiculous claims they make against you, are the reason there is a fan base for this sport. I lost all respect for Will Power when he didn’t defend you after the race. He has no idea of what it means to be a team player. Helio you are a winner and champion in my book and as long as you race I will be watching. Good luck!
For the people who really knows about racing sports, we are so dissapointed about this… but the thing is done so lets support Helio on the next race and we know he has the guts to demostrate he can win again and lets move on…. we recognize the effort and for us Helio will be always a leader and big winner….
@Kelly: Oops!I meant security guard. Sometimes I don’t notice when the iPad thinks I meant something else. It’s still a good feature, though, because it correct more often than not.
Did you see that security card? There was no way Helio was going to mess with him. Obviously Helio was extremely frustrated and just wanted justice. He appeared to be pleading his case to anyone in sight. There were no bad intentions on Helio’s part when he grabbed that shirt. And the guard knew that too, otherwise he would have taken Helio down flat in one second. What I thought was funny was the first official guy, the little chicken-sh@t who kept saying, “Don’t hit me! Don’t hit me!” He obviously didn’t know Helio and I think he was trying to provoke Helio into hitting him. He is probably one of those arrogant white guys I mentioned earlier. Helio demonstrated his usual good nature by not punching that guy, IMO, because that moron was asking for it.
You a good person and a respectable role model. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. As is obvious in these many letters of support, your fans were with you in spirit every step on this call. Godspeed!
Kelly~
Unbelievable!… Helio you won that race I think they need to take a closer look at that race, I am sure they will see more blocking with other driver’s at the end of the race.. Brian Barnhart owes you a public Apology….
Helio,
We were in the stands in Edmonton behind pit lane. The crowd wanted the Canadians to do well but the roar when you went ahead of Power was huge and when we THOUGHT you won the place went nuts! There are lots of Helio fans here! It’s total B.S…I’ve watched it many times and no way should that call of been made. Keep your head up man…you won that race here in Edmonton and clearly the wrong call was made.
Shaun, Edmonton
What is happening in racing these days F1 screws it up again and now Indycar has crazy rules preventing a driver from defending his or herself it’s disgraceful. now racing has come down to computer generated yellow lines cutting the track in two what the hell is that?. Because it’s not racing it’s making money from the fans without even giving them a good race. You won Helio thats it as far as I am concerned. And Will Power can go jump in a lake for all I care. I am bitterley disappointed in IZOD for this. Oh yeah Ganassi wins in 2 seperate events mmmmmmm right.
Two days later and I’m still pissed and even madder that Penske has an apology from you at the top of its web page. Hope you find the willpower to go somewhere that “fire in the belly” is appreciated and where teammates will not throw you under the bus. Screw Penske…screw Barnhart…and screw Will Power. That a..hole needs to thank you because he probably would not even have a ride if it weren’t for you.
The Explanation of Barnhart about Helio’s punishment on Edmonton was more ridiculous than the punishment itself. This thing Barnhart calls “Block” happens all the time in Indy Races.Why just Helio? Come on Barnhart!!! Ask to Leave!!! Out Barnhart! Helio the real Edmonton Winner!!!
If both Target cars were in the lead I bet we would not have a penalty. I like Helio and he is great for the sport and my favorite driver is TK.
Helio,
I think your boss, Roger, needs to remind your teammate, Will, what it means to be on a team.
Roger had a 1, 2, finish going until Will got greedy and tried to steal the finish on the restart.
After his bone head move he then stabs you in the back in the post race interview.
Barnhart made the worst possible ruling as far as the sport is concerned and should be packing his bags. He has succeeded in alienating thousands of die hard fans. Izod should reconsider its support of the league as long as Barnhart is allowed to remain in his position.
I will be rooting for you when you come to Sonoma in a few weeks. I will be the one with the special edition Ritmo Mundo watch #22 of 100. Hope to see you climb the fence soon.
David Calvi…
Finally got to watch the race. Unbelievable. While you may have gotten overwhelmed emotionally it is your desire to win, do your best, and put your whole heart into each race that makes us all love you. Keep your head up and take all of those things to thd next race. xoxoxo
Dia triste para o automobilismo!!!
Na F-1 vergonha, esqueceram do que se trata o esporte.
Na F-Indy, onde o esporte é valorizado, aplicam uma regra para evitar acidentes em ovais em um circuito misto, de outra forma você entregaria a posição por causa da regra, sem tempo para recuperá-la de forma segura.
Mesmo assim, quero lhe dar os parabéns pela excelente corrida, sua vitória, ainda que não oficial.
Já era seu fã, hoje tenho você no meu hall de grandes HOMENS, que zelam por coisas e valores que vão além da conta bancária e da segurança no emprego. Você é um vencedor digno, honesto, honrado, um verdadeiro campeão.
Seu fã Tiago Abdala
Helio,
There is no doubt you won the race yesterday. I was absolutely stunned, and I mean stunned by the decision of the race official (BB) to penalize you for leading the field into the turn and called it blocking. You are the leader and rules should not dictate what lane you should be in while leading. According to BB, as I understand it, the leader is not allowed in the inside lane. What the X$%*? This is racing, not track and field. I do not support blocking, which you did not do in this case, however the leader should always be able to defend the position at least once while leading. I fully understand how upset you were and you do not need to apologize to anyone. Anyone who competes in any competition has passion, that’s why they compete and show emotion. I was nearly as upset as you and I am just a spectator and honestly I was glad to see you display such emotion. Hopefully something good will come out of the emotion you displayed yesterday and people will sit up and take note that something must be done to the rulebook and that idiot BB. Hopefully Roger and Chip can get together with Robin Miller (SpeedTV) and fix the mess BB has created. Keep your head up high and be proud because you did a great job yesterday. You are a great race car driver and a greater person. Hope you come back to Fontana soon.
Scott
Sorry, Helio, but I, like many others, feel you “got done wrong.”
Now, I really love cheese, but I will gladly donate all I have and all that I can afford to purchase to Scott Dixon, Will Power, Dario Franchitti, Brian Barnhart and others who need it to go with their whine.
This is all about the IndyCar Series’ chief steward taking away your victory in Canada Sunday and the whining from the proclaimed winner Dixon, Dixon’s teammate Franchitti and your teammate Power.
I guess, according to IndyCar rules, you cannot drive in the inside half of a turn if someone wants to pass you. You have to take the longest way around and allow the car behind you to use the shortest way. If you use the inside half while another car is in the same zip code (or in the case of Canada, postal code), you are blocking and you’ll be penalized.
So, what if the guy behind you goes to the outside half entering the turn, as Power did to you? If you go to the outside as the rules dictate, you’ll either be blocking for sure or you’ll have one melluva hess.
And, since we’re being so dainty and nice about not violating another’s space, what about Dixon forcing his way past Power into second place in the next turn. If Power doesn’t lift a tad, there’s a second chance for a melluva hess. BUT, as per the rules, Dixon was on the inside half of the corner and is allowed to take the position or Power would have been blocking.
I can understand Dixon’s post-race affirmation that you were blocking; just as I can understand his teammate saying the same thing. But, Power whining that you blocked him? Wonder what the next team meeting will be like?
Make sure to serve Will his cheese.
That rumbling you hear is not an approaching thunderstorm, it’s Jimmy Bryan, Pat Flaherty, Jud Larson, Sam Hanks, Duke Nalon, Jimmy Hurtubise, Tony Bettenhausen and others from an era of “real racing” rolling in their graves.
Best of luck with the “rules” in the future.
Way to go on another great win Helio reguardless of what it says on paper you won no if, ands, or buts. This was a way for Ganassi to make history and for the series to lie to the fans and Will Power and Scott Dixon to attest to it is nothing more then Embarrissing on the part of the series. I will support you through this and I cannot accept an apology because you dont need to issue one.
And the winner @ Edmonton is…..Helio Castroneves in the #3 Penske car!!!
Congrats on your win…it’s yours!!! They shouldn’t have taken it away from you…I’m so sorry. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t know how to feel after seeing you grab the security guards shirt, but I’m sure your anger just got the best of you. It was very sad to see Dixon take your win, and then for Will to agree on you blocking him. But after reading Ryan’s tweet about you guys having talked it over…..I felt a little relieved. I really hope you guys did, cuz he really threw you under the bus by saying that you had blocked him.
Keep on keeping on Helio!!
“We Love You” here in CA!!!
Helio,
My son and I met you at the race on Sunday in Edmonton. You agreed to take a photo with my teenage son in the middle of the autograph signing when I wished you “Boa Sorte” in Portuguese (I am portuguese). It was his first race and you made a huge impression on him. All he wanted to do was meet you and get your autograph. We were cheering for you all race. You drove an amazing race and your pass on Will Power to take the lead was so exciting. We were both thrilled to see you win the race!!! You have definitely made a lifetime fan in my son with your amazing attitude and driving. He is already talking about seeing you in Edmonton next year.
Helio, tu foste roubado e os oficias sao uns ladroes.
I can only hope that Barnhart actually looks at the video to see what we all saw from the grandstands. The leader of the race always selects his line into the corner. You selected your line and did not deviate. It is up to the pursuers to pass you. You have the lead and have the corner. If they can pass you they will. In this case you kept your line and Will Power over drove the corner. Scott Dixon is a coward who should have given up his position to Power if he believed that you did block. Instead he gains from a mistaken call from Barnhart. If the officials followed through on their ruling, then Dixon should not benefit in any way from a blocking call. The officials were not consistent. The only correct call is to award the win to you and Dixon – 2nd and Power – 3rd. That is how it finished. In addition, I cannot believe that Power stabbed you in the back saying that you blocked. He needs to pass you and you are on the same team!
Do not feel bad. Everyone in Edmonton knows that you won the race. As far as I’m concerned, the IndyCar series is now just as crooked as Formuaa 1. Maybe Barnhart took a class from Eccelstone!!!
You will show them by winning the next few races!!!
Just when Indy Car racing is making a strong comeback, race officials now begin to control the results. Political, you bet! Brian Barnhart has too much power in this sport and now has put himself in the position of judge, jury, executioner and eventual Indy Car racing killer. How many times during this same race did racers drive the same line?
Years ago when boxing was a popular Olympic sport, I watched an American beat a Russian bloody and lose by decision. I have never been more outraged until Sunday in Edmunton.
Helio, keep the peace. Keep competing hard.
Helio voce foi indiscutivelmente o grande vencedor. Como ja foi dito em outros comentários voce nos orgulhou em mostrar no final da corrida a sua revolta diante daquela situação mostrando que não está de brincadeira e trabalha sério em busca de vitórias e bons resultados. A maioria dos brasileiros com certeza deve sentir orgulho em te ver correndo, diferente de outros certos pilotos que concordam com ordens absurdas que acabam com o brilho do esporte.
Bless your heart Helio! What a wonderful person you are! What happened is mind boggling. I knew you were going to be furious because I know how mad I was. You can not be expected to keep your cool all the time, especially when you are passionate about something and KNOW that you are right. I am the same way, very emotional and when I know that I am right I will not back down. It just shows what a wonderful person you are that you apologized. You did nothing wrong! Those officials are idiots and I am starting to think Power is too. I have never been a big fan of his, he comes across very arrogant. I thought that even before this race. I am certainly not a Dixon fan, he kinda makes me sick at my stomach. Anyway you keep your head up. Go have some Daddy/Daughter time and everything will be right in the world again. I will be watching the next race, I can’t miss seeing you take the track. Good luck! Love you Helio!!
@Tony Massey: You had a right to be upset Helio. You were robbed. Containing emotions in the heat of battle is not easy.
Helio, you were robbed. Your buddy Will should get an earfull from you. Will is a loser. No one should burn a team mate like he did you. You are a great driver and the IRL is going in the wrong direction with Brian Barnhart in charge. It is time for you and some of the other drivers to stop being nice and speak out against the league. Isn’t the league supposed to be enjoyed by the fans? Why should the fans put up with “fixed” races? Please stand up for what’s right and don’t apologize.
Hey, Helio!
Sorry I haven’t left a post in a while. HAD to leave a post about this Edmonton debacle! Take heart; Any of us who have ever raced know what a farce that call was. In fact, the way the rule book presents the “blocking rule” is insane and lacks any insight it takes to compete, nay, drive a road course race, much less an oval. To apply the “track division” rule to a piecemeal course with 200 foot wide straights/lanes requires more common sense than Barnhart and Co. apparently can muster. You held your line, and, in fact, GAVE Power a better arc/late apex entry into turn 1 than he deserved. You couldn’t have varied more than 5-8 feet ONLY to make a workable entrance to the turn! Power opted to go W-I-D-E, and DESERVED to have Dixon dive and sideswipe him for the position! NOT your problem! The leader in a single file restart should NOT be obliged to open the door and become a sitting duck for a pass! Perhaps this lends credence to IRL adopting double file restarts if they want to avoid such potential for their races to be placed in the hands of the stewards. THEN the leader can opt outside or inside, and set the pace/control the restart with less controversy. The antiquated starting and blocking rules were adopted for narrow, lack-of-passing-zone street courses and DO NOT AND SHOULD NOT APPLY in this situation, or on superspeedways.
You did nothing wrong, and I applaud your passionate efforts to deal with the situation after the race. Go get ‘em at Mid Ohio!
Forever a fan! Godspeed!
Tony Massey
@Bob: Glad to hear you say that Bob. I said it on Helio’s Facebook page and made people mad. Didn’t mean to do that…..
Sorry to say that was a deal breaker for me. I only watch Indy race to see you race Helio (though I was liking more and more drivers). I didn’t know they could take away someone’s win ! What a weird way to run a sport. I’m going back to NASCAR exclusively.
I will still watch the pre-race shows to see your interviews though.
Has this ever been done before ?
I feel cheated too. I thought I was watching a sports competition…not an awards show where one guy picks the winner !
Helio,
I love you. You are the BEST driver ever!! My support always.
Rita from Oregon
What an terrible call. I just caught the replay on the web and I, for the life of me, can’t figure what they were seeing. You had all the right to be disappointed. A fan of yours or not, anybody could see it was unfair. We all know you won. I bet your fellow drivers know you won too. Shake it off as best you can because frankly, your fans and IRL need a world class driver like you.
Hélio,
Este fim de semana já havíamos assistido a uma verdadeira falta de respeito aos pilotos e aos fãs de automobilismo, com a cena patética protagonizada pela Ferrari.
À tarde, esta punição veio para coroar um dos dias mais vergonhosos do automobilismo mundial! Mais uma completa falta de respeito com os pilotos e telespectadores!
Estamos contigo nessa! Pelo que eu li na reportagem, a bandeira preta não é permitido recurso… Você é maior que isso, você é maior que qualquer injustiça! Força, garra! Vá com tudo na próxima etapa, ganhe e jogue na cara do chefe de corrida! É a melhor resposta que você poderá dar à esta injustiça!
Ontem foi um dia triste para os brasileiros que amam as corridas. Fraude na Formula 1 e fraude na IRL.
Helinho, você foi o vencedor moral desta estapa. Foi uma vergomha o que fizeram com você.
Cara, só tenho uma coisa a dizer. Foi terrível. Nunca vi um regulamento tão idiota em minha vida. Um piloto não pode defender sua posição? Que ridículo!
Estou com você! e você estava certo em brigar! Nós sabemos. Talvez quem sabe “eles” não venham a rever a regra. Esse episódio foi chocante e fez cair por terra a credibilidade do diretor de prova.
Abração Helio! Ganha a próxima para nós.
Ricardo Borges.
Helio . . I contacted IRL directly and will post what I can to show the mentality of these ignorant people.
To Whom This May Concern,
Yesterday’s ignorant call will not go away. Just google the race comments.
When the mass majority of viewers including race experts, commentators and fans saw the replays over and over again, there was not a shadow of doubt that the IRL made a very poor decision and did not care to rectify it.
If you think this was cute and will stir public interest and boost ratings, you are wrong. Check the economy. I have already heard from fans in the racing community that have contacted izod to express their feelings.
Normally, I would say good luck with this one, but only after the IRL takes a good look at themselves and correct this ignorant mistake.
Your league looks like a joke right now.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feelings regarding yesterdays IZOD IndyCar Series race from Edmonton. I recognize your disagreement with the outcome of yesterday’s results. To avoid situations like the one experienced yesterday. Drivers were warned in their pre-race meeting that blocking would not be tolerated and any driver in violation of the rule would be penalized.
RESPONSE : As an IndyCar fan myself, I can appreciate your passion and commitment to the sport. Fans like you have helped shape our rich history over the years. Although you may not agree with the decision, I hope you will remain a fan of the sport. I can assure you that we listen to all voices and opinions in regard to the series. Moving forward, we will do everything we can to bring you the most competitive and exciting racing open-wheel has to offer. Again, thank you for your time and do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or comments.
MY RESPONSE : The problem is, that was NOT blocking.
Stand by your mistakes and you will ultimately fail
Unfortunately you will be forever linked with one of the worst calls in motorsports.But you are a good listener.
Thanks,
Racefan since . . . . . well, I was there at Indy as a teen when the 1st STP tubine car raced.
I will leave you with a story from today’s Oakland Press. . . . . just a small sampling of the mass majority.
Worst call ever in Indycar
Remember the horrible call that stole a perfect game from Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga earlier this summer? There is now an equivalent in auto racing.
After a late-race restart that featured nothing out of the ordinary … just a bunch of guys racing hard for the lead … the powers that be at Indycar ruled that Helio Castroneves, the leader, was blocking and he penalized. As a result, he lost a race he should have won.
The normally jovial Castroneves was as livid as you could imagine after the race, and for good reason. He was robbed, clear and simple.
I don’t know what goes on in the mind of the higher-ups in Indycar, specifically race director Brian Barnhart – who made this particular call, but this ranks as one of the worst decisions in racing and one thing is clear: If they are going to call a penalty anytime there is close racing, they might as well close up shop and cancel the whole series.
The type of racing that brought out the penalty are what people want to see. Take that competitive racing away, and the series will return to being the unwatched joke it once was.
Talk about a foolish move in a poor economy with a struggling racing league.
Helio,
I want to express my support for you. The decision to take your win away was a tragically bad call that can only hurt the series. I can’t imagine how this feels for you, and it seems impossible that IRL wants a series where drivers can’t actually race each other in the tradition of the sport. Anyone who has seen that restart and the finish knows you were the winner of that race, no matter how the points were awarded.
I actually missed the live call of the penalty because I had rewound back to the restart a couple times to watch again your spectacular defense of your position – it was truly impressive. I was totally shocked to learn that the highlight moment of the race was being penalized! As you said, “Absurd!”. You and William raced each other like gentlemen on that restart. On a day that saw Ferrari given an insignificant slap for a flagrant rules violation, to see you penalized for skilled racing in the best spirit of the sport is incredibly disappointing.
Helio, you are an amazing driver and sportsman and a credit to the sport of racing. Keep on keepin’ on!
When you have races run by desk jockeys who have never even sat in a race car, this is what can happen. IICS needs to take a cue from F1 and put at least one former driver in race control. If Barnhart had ever raced, he would have known you can’t apply a blocking rule to drivers who are setting up for a corner. You have nothing to apologize for, Helio!
Helio, You really are the winner of the 2010 Edmonton Race. I guess Brian Barnhart just wanted to make Chip Ganassi look super good. And what is up with Will? Hang in there Helio.
Helio,
You are a true winner in every sense of the word. The call by Barnhart yesterday was inexcusable. Unfortunately, you never see an officials call reversed, even when proven wrong whether it be in baseball, football, or racing. The IRL is having problems with holding onto a fan base and this further erodes that. It gives the IRL a black eye. Maybe you should go to GrandAm full time. After all, Scott Pruett needs some real competition. Thanks for the apology, but you had every right to be upset; it was an absurd situation. Good luck the rest of the season. You are always my favorite no matter what series you compete in (just don’t follow a few others and go to NASCAR, please).
Best regards,
I replayed the restart so many times that I wore out the the dvr. I’ve waited until now, knowing that they would change their ruling but I was wrong and you were robbed. I feel your pain. I hope you understand their ruling better than I do. Good luck.
Helio
I just wanted to tell you that I fully support you and feel that you should have been the winner of the race. You have no reason to apologize for you did nothing wrong. I could not believe you were penalized. Keep your head up high and stay strong. You are the best, and I am an even bigger fan of yours than ever before. Enjoy your week off with your family. Much love to you.
I’m absolutely outraged!!!! it’s a disgrace for the sake of racing that these things happen. Helio, you’re wirght and I think the team must appeal the decision.
Grande Helio!!!!!!!!!
I am sure you are appealing the call. Is there any chance on an Over Turning of the decision? And how can we find out if it was? To my observation and I’m sure many others, it was just racing in the corner. In no way did I see a BLOCK even trying to be performed. I hope justice is served. And the bummer, even your team mate didn’t support you. Was Willy P. that pissed you didn’t let him pass so he could get another win.
I can recall that CART when they had the rivalry of PT and Bourdais, CART put in a blocking rule that allowed the lead car to make one move and then had to hold his line based on that one move. Makes total sense to me. Helio did exactly that. When IRL and CART merged, Why was that Rule not applied to the IRL rule book? IRL changed its Car weight rule when they merged to Cart’s rule where the car weight included the driver, they should of put CART’s blocking rule in effect too…
Helio !! estamos com você !! não importa o que o juiz diga, você foi o campeão simplesmente por ser um campeão, você ganhou na pista !!
If this is supposed to be racing, I think Helio should go find another racing series. Indy Racing isnt worth watching. If that was a block, how does anyone ever pass? Helio was robbed and I dont blame him for taking it personal.
@Jonny V: GOOD WRITE UP!!! THOSE WERE MY BROTHERS EXACT WORDS. WE WERE BOTH ON THE PHONE YELLING.. POWERS PISSED ME OFF. AND THE FULL YELLOW
Helio,
I am so glad I chose to go to my grandmother’s yet again to watch the race. I decided about two hours before because I had this gut feeling that you were going to win. Boy was I right!
What Barnhart did was inexcusable and everyone knows it. Sure there are some who don’t see (BB, some drivers, and those who aren’t fans (not sure why)), but you have many MANY people around you who have your back. You had every right to be upset, but it was good when Tim (who was just as digusted) calmed you down.
Nobody can change what happened yesterday and it’s time for us all to move on. You are and will always been the true winner of the race even though it doesn’t say so.
Enjoy your off-week and don’t let this awful call get you down. Keep your head held high as you always do. Also, enjoy the time you have with your little princess. Know she can make your bad day hurt less.
*hugs* Paige
Hey Helio,
Clearly you won the race yesterday. Sad to say the Grandstands will continue to empty until Indycar replaces Brian Barnhart with a former driver. Brian Barnhart is also the reason why the series is covered by a third rate cable channel & not a professional Television Network. I’ll become a NASCAR fan & hope to see you switch to that series !
Robert
@Cathy: See I was so upset I spelled deserved wrong. You deserved the win.
IndyCar = AntiRacing
I’m not a Helio fan, I just enjoy watching racing of all types and even Formula One allows ‘one move’ to defend the turn. The way the IndyCar series has setup the rules the leader has no rights whatsoever. It’s completely absurd and anti-racing.
Helio,
You were robbed! That should have been your win, you deversed it. That was just good, exciting racing. I think the officials were wrong with their ruling and decision. You have been having a frustrating finish with your last few races, but this clearly should have been yours!
unreal, i feel so bad that it happened, me and my family were screaming at the t.v. i dont get where was the blocking??? makes no sense!!!
Helio – like many others here I can’t believe that you were penalized for what was clearly not a block and penalized soooooo heavily – a black flag???. The IndyCar Series and Brian Barnhart really need to get their act together with consistent, fair rules before they drive away all the fans who watch to see drivers racing hard and winning on the track – not getting a manufactured win from race control.
Hope you are able to put Edmonton behind you and come back blazing at Mid-Ohio. In the meantime, spend time at home with your adorable daughter and Adriana and family and put all of the negatives from the past weekend behind you – turn them into positives! Also know that your fans support you and we need no apologies for your actions after the race.
Helio clearly blocked, his own team mate watched it happen on live tv and said, oops yep he was blocking, it was a rule created years ago, the line was clearly defined in the drivers meeting, and he just didn’t want to lose a place to Will which is what would have happened had he not blocked. He clearly pushed his car so far to the outside to prevent Will from passing him that Will had to break in order to not hit him or the wall.
If it had been some one sponsor driver it would be a non issue, but it’s that penske power……
Hélio, sempre que posso acompanho as corridas e vejo que o “homem aranha” briga, luta, batalha e quando não há falhas mecânicas, você é imbatível e provou isso ontem. É uma pena que sempre há alguém que queira dar rasteira, levar vantagem e para isso fazem o que podem para derrubar alguém, no teu caso não derrubaram, pois você não é homem de cair facilmente, mas te roubaram na cara dura e pior que quem levou a vantagem concordou com a punição indevida e descabida.
ADOREI sua atitude, mostrou que não está ali brincando e sim lutando pelo seu objetivo…pena que você tenha limites, senão a porrada ia doer no fiscal de corrida!!!
Continue assim Hélio que nós brasileiros nos orgulhamos de pessoas como você, que tem e mostra que tem DIGNIDADE!!!
Abraço enorme e vamos para a próxima!!!
Ana – Curitiba/Pr
I will never forget a couple years ago when a reporter for Speed spoke against all Brazilian drivers as bringing down Indycar. As I see it, they are the ones lifting it up. The host of the show he reported this on, Wind Tunnel, had agreed with him too. I also recall Graham on the Letterman show saying “Helio isn’t afraid to bump you” and he and Dave got a big laugh out of it; but I took it to be derogatory. If you don’t have ones big enough for real racing, get off the track! Da*n the arrogant whites who think they deserve everything! And I’m a white, so no one get on me about that. I know how arrogant many whites can be, especially the rich ones. I say all this only because I suspect there to be a bigger agenda behind the IRL’s members than they’re letting on. Just wish I understood it better. But the Word of God says, “there is nothing covered over that will not be made known.” We just need to bide our time, and the truth will reveal itself.
I love you, Helio, because of your beautiful spirit. I think some other drivers hate you because of that same spirit that’s in you. I think the rest of the racing field, well largely so, could benefit from the Gospels the way you were raised to appreciate them. It’s the little things that shine more brightly in a world full of darkness.
Godspeed, Helio. May the “peace of God that excels all thought” comfort you. Having experienced a grave injustice in my own life, I understand how easy it can be after that storm passes to get emotional over all other injustices we experience personally or just see. Seems to me that we persons who have seen how deeply injustices can wound the soul and crush the Spirit have a keener sensitivity to it from that point onward, than do those who have never known that kind of evil. It doesn’t make you stupid or unjustified for standing up for yourself or others when it occurs. Bible says “be angry but do not sin.” You did not sin yesterday and you owe no one an apology. I know IRL appreciates it, though. That you did will serve you well, but don’t be ashamed for being angry and fighting for justice. That Spirit in you is just as beautiful as all those little things you do which bless others.
kelly~
As loyal Helio fans we are so offended by this situation. You are the TRUE winner hands down after leading the race for the last several laps and remaining in the front two the entire race!!!! We loved your strategy on the turn and so did all of the other fans in our suite! It is unfortunate and sickening to think that “politics” override great racing ability!
On the track and off you are a true gentleman and we think your reaction on the track was totally called for and only represented what all of us fans wanted to do as well!!! No need for apologies, we applaud your “Latin Fire” hope you will hold your head high.
We are so appreciative and want to thank you for taking the time on your way out to the race to sign a picture for our 10 year old daughter (who loves to choose you as the celebrity on her DWTS DS game!), and then for taking the time to personally acknowlege our support for YOUR WIN post race! You are the best!
Good luck in Ohio!
It’s bad enough they brought out a full-course yellow when the race was almost over for a car that was out of fuel (and safely off the track already) to ruin your 1.5sec LEAD, but to then accuse you of blocking makes us all wonder how Brian Barnhart was ever promoted from changing tires. If you had held your line any tighter, you would have made a geometrically perfect 90degree turn into the first corner.
The irony is only seconds beforehand, the announcers were saying how Team Penske is like a football team and that everyone contributes. To hear Will Power NOT say with complete conviction that it was a bogus call will hopefully make Roger think twice about signing him for 2011. I can’t believe he would hang his own teammate out to dry like that in lieu of his own agenda, especially when it doesn’t change the fact he still didn’t win.
At the end of the day, you are still Penske’s #1 driver and that is not by coincidence. Keep smiling man..
Helio is the true winner of the race I wish that they could take back Scott’s win and give it to Helio because he is the true winner of the race and I can’t belive it either what Will had to say I bet Roger had a few words with him. Helio keep your head up high you have the best fans behind you. I wish that they could get rid of Brain Barnhart and replace him for someone better then a guy who is picking favorites to be the winner like Scott Dixon
Helio, Amigo, te han robado. Tu ganaste esa carrera. en ningun momento vi que bloquearas la linea del lloron del carro 12… Saludos desde colombia.
Helio, did you see that you were a trending topic on twitter last night? I took a screencap of it because I was so surprised! It was shortly after the race and 95% of the tweets were reinforcing what we all know: you were robbed. It was very big of you to step up and issue an apology for your actions, but I think we can all say we understand and that it was justified, considering most of us at home were screaming right along with you.
It’s justice that no one seems to remember who the so called ‘real’ winner of the race was. We all know who the true champ is. You should have climbed the fence anyway, Helio. Nothing in the rules against that, is there?
Helio, you won the race. We’ll always remember that. The rule Brian Barnhart created is absurd, illogical and ridiculous. Anyone who creates a rule like that can no longer be involved with racing because he doesn’t know what racing is.
I know you are apologetic about your post-race rampage, but it only shows who you really are: a winner, someone who will not accept injustice and someone who is not afraid to fight for what you believe. I’m your fan more than I was when the race started (and you’re on the top of my drivers’ list).
It has taken me more than a few hours to calm down and try to put together a reason thru what I watched on why you (Helio) did not win this race. I came up with nothing!! The announcers have the same reaction that the general public has “where was the block” To all the fans who read this please remember this all started when Simona pulled off on to the grass with car issues, she did the right thing to get out of the way! I am confused at that point that the officials called a full course yellow?? What??? A full course yellow with 7 laps to go and a car and driver SAFELY OFF the track, I am really confused on that one!?!? Makes me wonder if the race isnt fixed somehwere to let Ganassi win twice in one day!
Helio Keep your Head High and dont let this stuid race get to you, as far as Will Power commenting after the race he should be ashamed of himself and said something like “well I need to review the footage before commenting” a team always looks after each other, Will Power should be reminded he is a Guest on the Team Penske. I can only hope Roger has told Will to shut his mouth until everyone is together next time.
Best Reagards to you Helio, my Portuguese Father,(Al) told me to tell you Hello !!!
Take Care and the best revenge is Winning!!
Hélio, tudo bem. Não tem problema. A melhor maneira de responder ao absurdo que te fizeram você vai dar em Mid-Ohio. Te tiraram uma vitória, mas não te tirarão a sua garra, o seu talento, o bom piloto que você é. Parabéns! E bola pra frente!
Helio was robbed. Bad decision. Bad rule. Bad ending. Helio and Will’s moves were great. It was exciting racing and to end the way it did was a disappointment all around.
Helio,
Brian Barnhart has his head up his butt.
The decision to penalize you for blocking on the last restart was total garbage. His explanation that the rules say that if a driver is faster than you, you must move to the outside lane to allow him to pass is ridiculous. That’s OK if the slower car is being lapped.
As long as I’ve been watching road racing (I’m 70 years old, so that’s a long, long time), a driver under attack for his position DEFENDS his position by taking the inside of the corner. That same driver can move to the center of the track or even the inside of the track when approaching a corner to defend his/her position. This forces the attacker to go to the outside to gain the position.
One of the best F1 races I ever saw was when Schumacher in his Ferrari caught up to Alonso who was leading the race, and they battled for several laps. Schumacher was obviously faster that Alonso, but because Alonso was so good at defending his position in the corners, Schumacher couldn’t get past. That’s racing!
Even the drivers in that Mickey Mouse Club called NASCAR do everything they can to keep the inside of a corner.
I think you had every right to find Barnhart and knock him on his butt.
Of course, if you actually did that, Barnhart would probably get a concussion.
What a stupid rule. Racers can’t race with a rule like that! If you are on the inside into a turn and you are being passed, then you are blocking?! What?! Its impossible to “block” someone that is next to you, thats not a block.Stupid rule. Why is there such a stupid rule that if and when it is enforced is going to create such a problem. It does not allow racing. The rule can not be consistantly enforced. The rule needs to be gone. I was excited to learn about the new car and the future for IRL, but when the end of the race ends on such a sour note…well its no way to create, or keep fans. Helio, you need a different team mate. William showed no class. Helio my friend, you are all class.
I, too, am totally outraged!!! Everyone knows you’re the real winner of that race. I can’t believe they called you for blocking! RIDICULOUS!!! Maybe Brian Barnhart will come to his senses and realize the stupid call he made and award the win to you. Otherwise, the Indy league will start losing fans if calls like this continue.
Your fans understand your reaction after the race yesterday, no need to apologize to us.
Good luck the rest of the way! We love you, Helio!!!
Kelli
Las Vegas, NV
If the race had been on a road course or a regular track, yes… it would be understandable. However, look at where they were racing. That was an absolutely idiotic rule and even more idiotic penalty. Is it any wonder that Danica Patrick is looking so hard at NASCAR for a new full time job? Yes, it is a hard, hard world in NASCAR, but at least they are trying to get back to common sense racing rules? By the way, Helio – that is a HINT!!!!
All the comments posted about the Edmonton race (on other posts here on Helio’s website) have been moved to this post. Thank you for the support guys! As always!
Olá Hélio, saudações Brasileiras. Venho aqui, me solidarizar contigo, e te dizer que não deve se envergonhar com o que vc fez ao final da corrida. Por essa sua atitude, creio que vc resgatou a auto estima de muitos brasileiros, que foi jogada fora algumas horas antes na Alemanha em uma outra categoria que eu prefiro nem citar. Você mostrou que nas veias desse povo, ainda corre sangue, e não água, como pensam os estrangeiros em sua maioria. Você tirou o nó da garganta de todos nós que tivemos que engolir, de forma passiva, à um fantoche recebendo ordens anti-desportistas, e assimilando-as com muita naturalidade, como se somente ele fose sofrer com aquilo. Te admirava pelo seu equilibrio, e te admiro ainda mais pelo que fez, pq diante de tamanha injustiça, posso te garantir que Jesus Cristo, Ghandi, Mandela entre outros, todos eles teriam tomado a mesma atitude. Com excessão de Jesus que com certeza teria atirado uma pedra contra o local dos BABACAS( rsrsrs).
UMA BATALHA FOI PERDIDA, MAS NÃO A GUERRA. Continue batalhando, que há muita gente aqui torcendo por você. Abç, e com certeza teremos melhor sorte da próxima vez.
I’m still sooo upset with yesterday’s race, I’m having a hard time even getting through the day today. We all know that HELIO REALLY IS THE WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a BAD call Brian Barnhart made, absolutely amazing!!!! Looking at the replay again and again, Helio held his line!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOOOOO MAD!!!!! And, I can’t believe Will (William) Power with his comment in his interview throwing Helio under the bus. I bet Roger had something to say to him about that!! I know I’ve lost respect for Power. He should have just said, No Comment. Looks like that comment by Will is the only thing Barnhart had to back up his bad call. Same, Shame on INDY, they should fire Barnhart.
Another example of the officials deciding the result of a race. YOU WERE SHAFTED! -millions of fans saw that. The TV coverage showed countless replays and you were very definitely not blocking, just taking the line you had to take to get around the corner. Your teammate went way wide, leaving you lots of room. We are not stupid out here. This is enough for me to stop watching Indy racing altogether. If the officials are going to decide who wins then there’s no real point in having the race at all – money would be saved all around! Happens in F1 too all the time. I keep my own statistics on each race, so I can decide who actually won at the end of the year. You won this one fair and square, and so it will go down in my book! I am a fan of yours and I love your positive approach to life and to racing. Gulp – I have to confess that you are only my number 2 favorite after Dario Franchitti, but you are the greatest anyway and the world knows that you definitely won this race, just as Felipe Massa won the F1 German GP. Yesterday was a bad day for the image of racing.
Helio, What a crock of injustice!!! You are the winner of the race no matter how they award it. Not Scott and he knows it too. Something similar happened two years ago when Brian B. made an unjustified call and he did the same thing in Edmonton on Sunday. Wonder why???? This just looks bad all the way around. And Will isnt much better. Helio, cant blame you for being as upset as you were. You dont owe anyone an apology. But there are others who owe you one – big time!. Helio, we love you. Take care and may you be at peace with yourself.
Edmonton was a total injustice to you. I cannot believe you were not declared the winner. Like others I am totaly outraged.
Enjoyed the book.
Keep your head up!
You’re a winner. Will Power is a lousy teammate. Tomas Scheckter is a grudge carrying, foul mouthed crybaby.
As a fan of racing sport, I say that was a big time bogus call; I am outraged and infuriated at race officials, how can they rob someone of a victory earned at the track. I have seen the incident many times and I see nothing wrong with Helio’s driving, it was a racing maneuver, Helio picked the lane that was best for him and he held it, William P had space to pass, it’s just that it was the outside part and it was not possible. Brian Barnhart made an obvious wrong call but didn’t have the ba**s to say “I was wrong, I made a mistake”; that only reflects poorly on him.
It’s really sad that Helio was robbed by such a poor call, I believe he made a great race, he shouldn’t be apologizing, race officials should apologize to Helio. We shouldn’t allow this kind of tinkering with the race results, letting fat guys sitting in a desk deciding who wins and who loses is just not good for the sport. It’s a great disservice to the racing community, that shouldn’t happen….. do we want a race where drivers surrender their spot to anyone gaining on them from behind? What about a dull race where no one races against each other, and we just time them? That would be boring as hell…. But hey, no blocking!
Scott Dixon could have shown a little chivalry and admit it wasn’t a victory, but I understand he is a competitive guy and had nothing to do with the call so he took what was given to him.
I cast a vote of no confidence on Brian Barnhart ability to call races; I say that should he be removed from his post and not allowed to work for Indycar.
I am very sorry this happened to you Helio.
very bad call and a demonstration of why indycar is loosing popularity, Powers sounded like a jerk and in my mind the 3 car won. A bad sunday for the boys from Brazil!!!
Helio, That call yesterday has Tom and I Extremely pissed off. William was not a team player yesterday. I have nothing good to say about Scott Dixon or Dario (after a remark I read that he said.) We were also not happy with Jack interview with Scott. Scott was handed that race on a silver plater by Brian Barnhart. You should not have been made to apologize, though I am sure you were sorry for your reaction. We know how emotional you can be. We are going to write to Penske also to tell them that we stand by our man and to let them know we how disappointed in William (who should have watched what he was saying also.) We love you and view you as the winner of that race no matter what anyone says. Remember you have loyal fans that will stand behind you and fight for you. Do not feel ashamed,you have done nothing to be ashamed of, hold that head up high my friend for you are the best. Lots of Love and LOTS OF BIG HUGS from Rhonda and Tom
That call was just simply WRONG!!!!!!
Helio, having just read the comments from PenskeRed3, I totally agree with everything posted! Add me to the thousands of your fans who are beyond outraged at what was done to you – you certainly did not have to apologize to us! You were wronged in the most vile manner possible! Will Power has lost the respect of many, many Team Penske fans with his comments on Versus yesterday. What a poor loser and even worse team-mate! Still support Team Penske, but for me that means Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe.
You won that race fair and square, and your fans stand behind you 1000%, Helio. Sending you prayers, love and much support for now and in the future!
Love you, Helio!
Now that the rule has been explained I do understand it. However, the most assinine rule I have ever heard. The leader should be able to chose his line and its up the the overtaker to get around. Was Helio suposed to just move over and give up? What a complete joke!!! You’d never see this in NASCAR.
Hey Helio!
You’re bigger than the stupid IRL.
Come to NASCAR!!! You can actually race there.
I have left a message on the contact us portion of Penske Racing concerning the displeasure i feel concerning the outcome of yesterdays race.I know nothing will come of it since Brian Barnhart refused to reverse his call but I feel better for voicing my sadness for Helio and Team Penske.Hopefully others have added their thoughts to reassure Team Penske that the fans do not agree with the call.
Helio, for what its worth almost every one agress you DID NOT BLOCK william….. my personal opinion is that william should have been a Better team mate!!! and just bring the car home in second! And as for bone head irl call on the matter let just say you did….block william and scott got by him beacase of your your so called (block) why give the win to scott??????????? if the person that was (blocked) was william???????? i think he was wrong on the 1st call of blocking that he made a wrong call on the race winner also???? makes no sence to me….. Wish you great well the rest of the season……Carlos
Helio…….What can i say except you owe nobody an apology for your actions after the race.That call was outrageous and some of the drivers comments afterwards were just as bad! Fans are disappointed in Will Power in particular and what can i say about Gnassi team-mates……nothing good! Will was not a team-player yesterday as advocated by Roger,only concerned about his own selfish position..a NO COMMENT til after his review would have served much better! I hope Roger will correct Williams thought processes………..but he sure took a nose dive with the fans today!
That race was yours ,you had a strong car all weekend,a good race til the end..but was robbed BIG TIME!As well as the fans,radio and TV that covered the race are just as mystified by that call and do not agree with Barnhart.
Shame on the IRL for digging itself a deeper hole with the inconsistency and irrationality.
I am still spitting feathers mad and outraged but trying to be positive like you, going foreward,hopefully cool heads will prevail.
Go get’em at the next race Helio…….you deserve it and much more than the disservice that you were given yesterday.Big hugs to you from all of us.
Helio, William is no team player, he is hurting Penske, tried to find a way to send him a msg, to no available. You are the winner of that race and Barnhart is a man of no integrity. I am still sick this morning over that race. Roger needs to rethink his decision about keeping William, he is arrogant and greedy. God will be with you to justify this in the future.
Helio Hello, I wonder if you will NOT be penalized for hitting the supervisor’s race yesterday 25/07/2010. I like your attitude, unlike other Brazilian drivers, and sees you over.
To settle for you
Luis
Ola Hélio, gostaria de saber se voce vai ser penalizado por NÃO bater no fiscal da corrida de ontem 25/07/2010. Gostei da sua postura, diferente de outros pilotos brasileiros, voce encara e parte para cima.
To contento com voce
Luis
Helio !!! You won !!!! Dont let them win . Stay cool and strong !!!! You are the best driver of Brasil , dont forguet this . I admire you forever . Niko from Argentina.
I just watched a video clip of Barnhart on versus.com. The spirit that I picked up on in his reasoning was largely based upon Will Power saying he was blocked. What a crock! And I don’t mean that because Will’s Australian.
Godspeed, Helio. And may HE bless you with a calm heart and peace of mind.
kelly~
the rule says you cannot take the inside line to block…but you were already there baby …right on red as they say on the american roads , you were already on that real estate , you had right to it … I never have liked Will as a competator in my favorite past time … now he shoved the pile of crap on you , he is not a team player. chin up baby , we all know what was right.
I agree with B.A. Shame on Indy! And Will greatly disappointed me too. And Dixon! Well, it appears the ice man is back, so I guess his honeymoon is over.
I will add Shame on Penske Racing for making you apologize. I know you feel badly about your action, one I did not see, but sometimes people need to be more understanding of a person who has been victimized. It’s like I illustrated to a church elder several years ago: Remember when we were kids in school and the nerdy kid gets his chair pulled out from him? Most of the class laughs at the boy on the floor as though he was the fool? But then we grow up and know who really was at fault.
Hold your head high, Helio, but not too high. (I believe you know that already) You were wronged. I’d like to know why, but we fans probably never will. Unless you publish another great biographical book when your racing career ends.;)
Are you kidding me??? I have lost even more respect for this series and the management?
Helio was the clear winner!!!! Every replay demonstrates his precision driving.
I am sick of this arrogance by the officials. Do they think we have nothing better to do than
watch them rig the finish? If they do not retract this terrible decision, then they do not need
fans. They will just invent them too.
I cannot believe how pissed I am about today’s race at Edmonton. I must have some unresolved anger (haha). I’m even mad at William and will no longer be a fan of his. He sold you down the road during his post race interview. I know with a cooler head you would never grab a security official, but to me you were very justified when such an injustice had been done. I’m not sure what the fallout will be long-term, but I hope we as fans can put it to the past, but for right now…I’m just mad..why spend my time watching something that a man in the booth can call the winner on and the winner of the race has nothing to do with cars and drivers. Shame on INDY!
Helio, While I’ve never considered myself a “fan” of yours (you stand in the way of my favorite driver TK, more times than not!), I do RESPECT you immensely, and think the travesty that occured today is, quite frankly, dishonorable.
I’ve been a racing fan for nearly thirty years. I’ve NEVER written to a driver or organization before. HOWEVER, after watching the events unfold today, I felt I had to. I’ve written Brain Barnhart, PVH (parent company to Izod) and Roger Penske this evening. I’ve explained that I will NO LONGER support the Izod IndyCar Series, on television or in person. Further, I am boycotting any and all sponsors involved with the series.
YOU WON THAT RACE, and everyone knows it! Why did Dixon act so calmly in victory lane? He KNEW it too!
Perhaps if ENOUGH of us, the fans, the people who “pay the bills” for the teams, the sponsors and the series say “we’ve had it with the pendalum of swinging rules and enforcement of those according to specific driver’s and teams” and we either call for action, or take our money elsewhere, the board behind IndyCar will act accordingly.
A true travesty occured today, and I’m disgusted that I had to watch it.
Rage on my man! Get back in a NASCAR! You’ll do fine there!
@Kelly: Agree with all above! Stay fine man as always you are and don’t let it bother you. You won that race in our book! Unfortunately there is very few gentleman like you in racing these days. Keep up the good work. Always enjoy watching you racing.
@Kelly:
Helio
If the IRL won’t let you race why don’t you start driving in another series. After the race today and the IRL robbing you of a victory I am through watching the IRL with the possible exception of the Indy 500.
Unbelievable! Does Barnhart (not sure how to spell his name) have an issue with you or what? You won that race fairly and I don’t know why Barney took it away from you. I know what was reported, but even the announcers @ Versus said they did not see blocking in your move because you were lining up for a turn. I didn’t see you in any post race interviews but I had to leave where I was watching it and my dvr ran out of space at home. I feel so badly for you. You’re a true champion, Helio! God will bless you in spite of the injustices some men have dished out towards you. Godspeed! And congratulations on a great race today! I hope the IRL sorts this out because I don’t like sports that show favoritism towards certain athletes at the expense of fairness. It dampens my own spirit when I see that done.
Go with God, Helio.
kelly~
juust watched first indy race of the year at edmundton oh oh oh lpease come to NASCAR. worst race call ever made in the history of mankind so 2day Gnassi makes history trifecta and INDY raceing looses face with the rest of the race world besides helio 1st time ive ever been so pissed 2type about it hell you d be great in a3400lb sled and have another fan base indy dance nascar by the waystarted watching you on D.W.T.S with wife then indy oh my GOSH!!!!!! I still cant get over the lane change KRAP. GOOD LUCK
Helio!! Edmonton was your race & you WON it!!!! Head high, they have to give the win back to you!! You did not block!!!