Note: This article and Video are in Portuguese, English translation coming soon!

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Helio Castroneves recebe o principal prêmio da imprensa brasileira

O piloto Helio Castroneves foi um dos destaques da noite de gala do automobilismo brasileiro, realizada em São Paulo na última terça-feira, 1º de dezembro. Promovido pela revista Racing e considerado o mais importante prêmio destinado aos pilotos brasileiros em atuação no Brasil e no exterior, seus vencedores são escolhidos pelo voto direto de aproximadamente 70 jornalistas especializados em esporte motor. Helio concorreu na categoria TOP e foi o mais votado, sendo um dos agraciados com o Capacete de Ouro, honraria máxima da noite.

Em razão de compromissos profissionais e pessoais, Helinho não pôde viajar ao Brasil e foi representado na entrega dos prêmios por seu pai, Helio Sênior. Principal incentivador da carreira do piloto, ele ficou muito emocionado com a vitória do filho e pelo vídeo especialmente produzido para a ocasião.

Com cerca de três minutos, o vídeo foi gravado em Miami e, nele, Helinho fez um emocionado agradecimento à família e aos amigos pelo apoio recebido recentemente, relembrou as grandes conquistas da temporada de 2009, festejou o fato de se tornar pai nas próximas semanas e, ao final, dedicou ao troféu a Helio Sênior, a quem definiu como “o meu herói”.

“O público brasileiro é apaixonado por automobilismo e a imprensa é muito exigente, acompanhando atentamente tudo o que fazemos nas pistas. Então, receber esse prêmio é motivo de muita alegria, pois é o reconhecimento do trabalho realizado durante todo este ano que, felizmente, estamos fechando com chave de outro, quer dizer, com Capacete de Ouro”, disse Helinho, brincando com o nome do prêmio, que em 2009 completou 13 anos de existência.

Texto por: Américo Teixeira (www.diariomotorsport.com.br e twitter: @dmotorsport )

Take a look at Verizon Droid’s new commercial, featuring Helio. (in Spanish)

Assistam o novo comercial da Verizon Droid com o Helinho. (Em Espanhol)

Hello Everyone,
Helio has been traveling around, working out, doing appearances and sponsors events.

He is also preparing for January!

2010 brings a lot of great things! Keep on cheering!

In the mean time, as we promissed here are 2 of the commercials filmed for HCA EAST FLORIDA.

They aired only in East Florida, so this is a chance to all national and international fans to have a look.

We hope you enjoy them!

Here are some pictures from yesterday:

Kati Castroneves, Helio Castroneves, Michael Joseph, and Don Shula

Helio Castroneves and Don Shula

[caption id="attachment_520" align="alignnone" width="576" caption="Helio and Don"][/caption]

and a Tease for the upcoming commercial:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Stay tunned for more info on Helio’s off-season and commercials!
Thanks!
Castroneves Racing PR

versão em portugues abaixo
Three-Time Indianapolis 500 winner and Season 5 “Dancing with the Stars” Champion, Helio Castroneves may be back in the ballroom. This season, as part of the “Design a Dance” program, fans of the popular ABC show will get to call the shots as they vote for their favorite past celebrity to dance again.

By selecting each component — dance, song, celebrity, pro dancer, and costume over a six-week voting period the fans are virtually in control of creating the ultimate audience-designed performance.

Castroneves was selected as one of nine celebrity candidates who’ve participated in the show over the previous eight seasons.

Voting is done online in four stages: the dance and song have already been selected, with viewers choosing the Paso Doble and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Celebrity voting began (CLICKING HERE TO VOTE) on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 pm PST and ends on Tuesday, October 6th and 9:00 a.m. Selection of the professional dancer will be conducted from October 6th – October 13th.

Let’s help Helio win the chance to dance once more, BY CLICKING HERE TO VOTE, it’s easy, and can be done as much as you desire.

Follow Helio on twitter (www.twitter.com/h3lio), as this week he will be asking for votes, and talking to his followers about it.

Thank you, and we count on you once more!

 

Versão em Portugues

O tricampeão das 500 Milhas de Indianápolis e da 5ª Temporada do “Dancing with the Stars”, Helio Castroneves pode estar de volta na pista de dança. Nesta temporada, como parte de um Crie uma Dança, os fãs da série popular ABC poderão votar para a sua celebridade favorita para dançarem novamente.

Ao selecionar cada componente – dança, música, celebridades, dançarina profissional, e fantasia sobre um período de seis semanas de votação, os fãs estarão praticamente no controle da criação de uma sensacional performance criada pela audiencia.

Castroneves foi selecionado como um dos nove celebridades candidatos que já participaram do programa durante as últimas oito temporadas.

A votação é feita em quatro etapas: a dança e a música já foram selecionados, os telespectadores escolher o Paso Doble e “Eye of the Tiger” por Survivor. A Votação para as celebridade favorita começou ( CLIQUE AQUI PARA VOTAR ) nesta Terça-feira, 29 de setembro as 19:00hrs Horário de Brasília e termina na terça-feira 6 de Outubro as 21:00hrs.
A seleção do dançarino profissional será realizado de 6 outubro à 13 outubro.

Vamos ajudar o Helio a ter uma chance de dançar mais uma vez, CLIQUE AQUI PARA VOTAR , é fácil, e pode ser feito quantas vezes voce desejar.

Siga o Helio no Twitter (www.twitter.com/h3lio), que esta semana ele vai estar pedindo votos , e falando aos seus seguidores sobre o assunto.

Obrigado, e contamos com você mais uma vez!

versão em portugues abaixo
Don’t miss the Season premiere of Dancing with The Stars tonight LIVE on ABC at 8pm (EST).

During the show, Helio’s HCA commercial will be aired for the first time to EAST FLORIDA!
The commercial was filmed recently featuring Helio on the famous Yellow Suit and also on a racing fire suit.

We will post the video here on Helio’s website after the commercial is broadcasted on TV live.
Let us know here what you think of the commercial after watching it.

Thank you!

 

Versão em Portugues

Durante o programa, o comercial que Helio gravou para a compania HCA será transmitido pela primeira vez para a FLORIDA!
O comercial foi filmado recentemente aparecendo Helio com um macacão de corrida e também com o famoso terno amarelo que ele dançou sua melhor dança quando participou do programa em 2007.

Após o comercial ser televisioado, colocaremos no site para os que não puderam acompanhar o lançamento.
Deixe seus comentários, dizendo o que achou se você assistir hoje a noite.
Obrigado!

versão em portugues abaixo

This weekend, Castroneves will be looking to become just the second driver to earn two wins in Japan (Dan Wheldon was the first in 2004 & 2005); he earned Team Penske’s first victory at Motegi in 2006 after starting from the pole and leading a race-high 184 laps.

Did You Know?
• In 2006, Helio Castroneves earned Team Penske’s first victory in Japan.
• In addition, Castroneves has started from the pole the past three seasons.

Helio’s Comments:
“I’ve always liked the track at Motegi. It’s a very challenging oval, with two different ends; so it’s difficult to get the set-up right to handle well in both Turns 1&2 and Turns 3&4. We’ve achieved some great results in Japan and I’m hoping for more of the same this year. I’ve started from the pole the past three years and I won in 2006, so we know we can win there. Team Penske has been performing well on the 1.5-mile ovals all year, which gives us a lot of confidence heading into the race.”

- Qualifying: Friday, September 18 – 6 pm ET on VERSUS
- Race: Friday, September 18 – 10:30 pm ET on VERSUS (LIVE)
- Also you can watch both at www.indycar.com


 

Versão em Portugues

Neste final de semana, Helio buscará se tornar o segundo piloto a ganhar duas vezes no Japão; em 2006 ele conquistou a primeira vitória para a Equipe Penske em Motegi, após começar a corrida na pole, e liderando 184 voltas (das 200).

Você sabia?
• Em 2006, Helio Castroneves conquistou a primeira vitória para a equipe Penske no Japão.
• Castroneves largou na pole position nas últimas 3 temporadas.

Comentários de Helio
“Eu sempre gostei da pista de Motegi. É um oval muito desafiador, com duas extremidades diferentes, por isso é difícil conseguir o set-up certo de segurar bem em ambas as curvas 1 e 2 e curvas 3 e 4. Nós conseguimos alguns bons resultados no Japão e eu estou esperando mais do mesmo este ano. Eu larguei na pole nos últimos três anos e ganhei em 2006, por isso sabemos que podemos vencer lá. O Team Penske tem tido um bom desempenho no oval de 1,5 milhas esse ano, o que nos dá muita confiança indo para a corrida. ”

- Tomada de tempos: Sexta-feira, 18 de setembro às 19:00hrs (horário de Brasília) no site www.indycar.com
- Corrida: Sexta-feira, 18 de setembro às 23:50 (horário de Brasília) ao vivo na Bandeirantes
- Você também pode assistir a corrida ao vivo pelo site www.indycar.com

Last week Helio filmed a commercial for HCA Healthcare, the following teaser video is a behind the scenes look of it.

Filmed in different locations, such as a park, an ER room, and also at Helio’s own house in Miami, the final version of the commercial will be featured here once it’s ready to be aired.

We know it’s just a tease, but we want you to see and know what is going on with Helio at this time.
We hope you like it.
Click on the movie below to watch

Na semana passada Helio fez um comercial para HCA Healthcare, e o video a baixo é o making of.

Filmado em diferentes localidades, como um parque, uma sala de Emergencia, e tambem na própria casa de Helio em Miami, a versão final do comercial será anunciada aqui quando estiver pronto para ir ao ar.

Sabemos que é só um pedaço pequeno do comercial, mas gostariamos que voces soubessem o que está acontecendo com o Helio neste momento.
Esperamos que gostem.
Clique no video abaixo para assistir

Helio Castroneves test drove some new “supercars” for Maxim Magazine at Homestead Miami Speedway.

This past Tuesday Helio got a chance to blaze around the track in style, he took the Maxim challenge and raced around Homestead Miami Speedway in the most exotic cars on the planet for the magazine’s November “Dream Cars” issue.

Maxim wanted to get Castroneves’ expert opinion on the Aston Martin DBS, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE, Hennessey/Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

“It’s not every day you get to drive some of the most beautiful cars in the world,” Castroneves.

SPARTA, Ky. – Helio Castroneves will be a Miami-based member of the Ribeirao Preto Chamber of Commerce if his hometown is selected to host an IndyCar Series race in 2010. He’s already been lobbying.

The Indy Racing League’s first trip to South America was included on the 2010 IndyCar Series schedule released July 31. A March 14 date was announced, but a host city was not. That is likely to come in two to three weeks, and Ribeirao Preto is among the sites being considered.

Click it: Printable 2010 schedule

“Personally, it would be incredible because they’ve supported me since go-karts,” Castroneves said of his hometown. “It’s like Sam Hornish in his hometown of Defiance, Ohio; the difference is about 700,000 in my hometown against 20,000. I’m going to have a lot more friends (if the series heads that direction).

“The town is more like the countryside. It’s a university place, which will help for the attendance. It’s a very easy place to get to from other states. I already sound like I’m selling. It’s going to be a huge success. I would be proud to race in Brazil.”

The series currently features Brazilian drivers Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Rafael Matos, Vitor Meira and Mario Moraes.

Mid-March is autumn in Brazil, which would be perfect time to race on a circuit designed by Indy Racing League vice president of competition Tony Cotman, according to Luczo Dragon Racing driver Matos. Brazil is one hour ahead of EDT.

“IndyCar has a huge fan base in Brazil and all the drivers are proud to be racing in our country,” said Matos, a contender for Rookie of the Year honors. “We will do everything we can to promote the race, and I think we’ll race even harder. It’s a plus for everybody.”

An event in Brazil, which hosted Indy car racing as recently as 2000, will be the first for the IndyCar Series in South America.

Read more at indycar.com

EDMONTON, Alberta – Helio Castroneves didn’t want to hear any residual boos from Paul Tracy fans this weekend during the Rexall Edmonton Indy. So the Team Penske driver took a proactive approach – wearing an “I (heart) Canada” T-shirt with Tracy’s No. 15 inserted in the maple leaf heart at the circuit.

The reigning Indianapolis 500 champion wasn’t the most popular IndyCar Series driver in Toronto two weeks ago when his car got tangled up with Tracy’s as they competed for second place late in the race on the Exhibition Place course. Sustained boos – something the effervescent Castroneves isn’t used to hearing – rained when he returned to pit lane.

“I will use it most of the weekend,” he said. “I admire the fans. They’re supporting their people and that’s the way it should be.”

Both Tracy and Castroneves said the incident was “one of those racing things.”

“He’s the last person I would want to tangle with,” Castroneves laughed. “It’s unfortunate because it cost me a lot of points in the championship. That’s what people sometimes don’t understand. I was just trying to finish the race.”

Read more at here

After a fourth place in Watkins Glen, Helio looks ahead to Streets of Toronto, to be broadcasted by ABC on July 12th at 1pm (EST).

Did you know: Helio claimed the third pole position of his career in Toronto in 2000.
Helio comments:
“I’m think it’s great that we’re going back to Toronto. I haven’t competed there since 2001, so it will be nice to get back on the circuit. The track definitely provides a number of challenges for the drivers and I think we’ll be able to put on a fantastic show on Sunday. The Canadian fans are so enthusiastic about racing and it’s always fun to interact with them. I think we should have a solid weekend, as Team Penske has proven that we’re very tough on street circuits.”

Após o quarto lugar em Watkins Glen, Helio se prepara para “Ruas de Toronto”, será televisionado pela Bandeirantes no dia 12 de julho, as 14:00hs Horário de Brasília.

Voce sabia: Helio conquistou a terceira pole position de sua carreira em Toronto em 2000.
Helio comenta:
“Eu acho ótimo que estamos voltando a Toronto. Eu não corro lá desde 2001, então será muito legal voltar ao circuito. A pista definitivamente demonstra vários desafios para os pilotos e eu creio que poderemos proporcionar um show fantástico. Os fãs canadenses sempre tem muito entusiasmo quando o assunto é corrida, e é sempre divertido interagir com eles. Acho que nosso final de semana tem tudo pra ser muito sólido, já que o Team Penske tem provado estar forte nos circuitos de rua.”

On today’s Independence day Helio took the 14th position for Watkins Glen’s race.
Broadcasted by ABC at 1pm on Sunday (July 5th), this race brings a lot of excitement and starts of a series of road courses ahead.

Helio comments about this track:
“Watkins Glen has a lot of history and is a very challenging, yet fun, track to drive. We captured the pole in three of the last four years, but for various reasons, haven’t been able to find the race results we are capable of achieving. Hopefully, we’ll find the same speed that we’ve had there in the past and combine it with the finish we’ve been looking for.”

Also, everyone, tomorrow (July 5th) is Kati’s Birthday!

Helio comenta sobre a pista:
“Watkins Glen tem muita história e é uma pista com muitos desafios, porém divertida de pilotar. Conseguimos a pole position em tres dos quatro anos anteriores, mas por diversas razões, não conseguimos encontrar os resultados que sabemos que podemos alcançar. Espero que possamos encontrar a velocidade dos anos anteriores e combinar com a posição de chegada que estamos em busca.

Também, pessoal, amanhã (dia 5 de Julho) é aniversário da Kati!

Indy 500 winner, Helio Castroneves, won a hotly-contested vote for the second quarter DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2009.

The Brazilian, who won his third Indy 500 – from the pole – this May, narrowly edged NASCAR’s Tony Stewart, 119-116. It was the closest margin of victory since Stewart lost the overall award in a tie-breaker in 2002.

Castroneves, who drove a Team Penske Racing Dallara-Honda in the IndyCar series backed up the Indy 500 win with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, in the quarter which ended on June 21rst.

The ebullient driver, also known as Spiderman for his fence climbing antics after his victories, said “I’m really honored with the prestige to be included in such an incredible group of drivers,” when he learned he beat such other racing icons as Stewart who was voted DRIVER OF THE YEAR in 2005 and the ageless Mark Martin.

He continued “honestly it’s an honor to be in an amazing group. Mark Martin is an incredible driver – nothing against Tony Stewart – I want to be like him when I grow up.”

Barry Schmoyer, President of the Driver of the Year Foundation, said “I’m amazed at the coincidence that Tony Stewart was beaten again in such a close vote and that Stewart also is a fence climber after a race win.”

In the voting Castroveneves took eight first-place votes and was on every ballot. Stewart, who drives the #14 Old Spices/Office Depot Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing, was second only three points behind Castroneves. He also garnered eight first-place votes.

The ageless, but 50-year old Mark Martin, who drives for #5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series was third in the voting with 42 points. Kyle Busch also received one first-place ballot. A total of 19 drivers scored points in the first quarter voting.

In its 42nd year, the DRIVER OF THE YEAR title is unique and the oldest award of it’s type. A panel of 17 leading journalists from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Castroneves will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a later date.

“I want to thank my Penske team. Without them I couldn’t do what I’m doing. And I want to thank my loyal fans.”

THANK YOU GUYS!

Richmond here he goes!

Helio talks about Richmond:
“Richmond is one of my favorite tracks on the IndyCar Series circuit. It’s one of the smallest circuits we run at, which means we’re able to turn laps in about 15 seconds. Because of the speeds and the track size, it feels like you’re constantly turning. As a result, Richmond is very physically demanding. Team Penske has been running really well this season and hopefully we’ll see more of the same this weekend. We’re coming off a tough race in Iowa (Castroneves finished seventh), so hopefully we’ll be able to turn things around a bit this weekend and have a solid showing at Richmond.”

Did you know?

Team Penske has started from the pole in Richmond in four of the eight races in which the IndyCar Series has competed; including three of the last five years (Castroneves started from the pole in 2006 and 2004; in addition to former Team Penske drivers Sam Hornish Jr. in 2005 and Gil de Ferran in 2002).

In the seven races that Team Penske has competed in at Richmond International Raceway, it has earned two wins (Castroneves won in 2005 and Sam Hornish Jr. won in 2006).

Local Knowledge

Richmond is home to long-time Team Penske sponsor Phillip Morris USA.
Helio visited the Philip Morris factory (posted on his twitter yesterday) meeting the factory workers, and thanking them for the support and sponsorship.

After 7th on the first practice and 4th on the second practice, Helio will start on the pole this sunday.

Ready for today’s race Helio comments:
“Those points definitely kept me in the front of the pits and now gave me the pole position at Iowa. Unfortunately for the fans, they didn’t get to see the excitement of qualifying. Fortunately, I ended up getting a great situation here with a good starting position. Now that we have a Team Penske front row, we’ll go for the win.”
Don’t miss this sunday, June 21st at 1pm on ABC.

Pronto para a corrida de hoje Helio comenta:
“Os pontos definitivamente me mantiveram na frente nos pits, e agora me deram a pole em Iowa. Infelizmente para os fans, não houve a adrenalina da tomada de tempo. Felizmente, a situação me ajudou bastante me colocando em um ótimo lugar para largar. Agora que o Team Penske tem a frente do grid”
Não perca neste domingo dia 21 de Junho as 2 da tarde (horario de Brasilia).