Castroneves' Storybook Comeback

INDIANAPOLIS -- After parking his race car in front of the main grandstands -- still emotional after claiming a dramatic third Indianapolis 500 victory -- Helio Castroneves tried to climb out and celebrate.

"A yellow shirt [security] guy kind of pulled me in, he was literally holding my helmet and myself there in the car,'' said Castroneves, laughing about the scenario. "Finally I saw the team come to me and I said, 'I'm sorry, I've got to get out.' "

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There was no holding Castroneves down -- or back -- this day.

The popular Brazilian jumped out of his car and after emotional embraces all around, scaled the 16-foot wire fence along the front stretch, pumping his fist as the capacity crowd of nearly 400,000 stood up and cheered on one of the most compelling victories in the 100-year history of the great Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The fence could have been 26 feet high and Castroneves would have climbed to the top. This win, more so than any of his previous 14 IndyCar victories, was an example of rising above.

Five weeks ago Castroneves was cleared of federal tax evasion charges. On Sunday he was atop his profession.

Atop the world.

Castroneves has now won three times in nine Indy 500 starts and becomes only the sixth driver to win Indy three times. Only three drivers have won four 500s.

And Castroneves, who won the pole position and the pit stop competition, won the race convincingly -- nearly two seconds ahead of 2005 winner Dan Wheldon and third place Danica Patrick.

Clearly he was on a mission. So ready to tackle this race that he jumped the initial green-flag start, prompting a do-over before the race could even officially begin.

He led the first seven laps before Dario Franchitti passed him. Then, confident in his car, Castroneves settled into a comfortable mid-race pace before reclaiming the point for good with 58 laps remaining -- turning 220-mph lap speeds well after he had the race in hand.


Castroneves, who became a household name after winning the television show Dancing With the Stars in 2007, is known for his emotion. But the last six months -- including the seven-week federal trial in Miami -- have taken it to a new level.

He broke down in tears after receiving his not guilty verdict in April. He broke down in tears Sunday when asked how his strong religious faith has helped in difficult times.

"Sometimes you try,'' Castroneves said wiping away tears. "I try to answer questions, I just couldn't find the answer. And today, I found the answer and that's why I thank Him.''

No one could begrudge Castroneves his joy.

Team owner Roger Penske called this the most gratifying of his incredible 15 wins here.

"Outside [Helio] has that personality, he climbs the fence, but inside he's as tough as nails,'' said Penske, who remained unflinchingly loyal to Castroneves throughout the trial and put him in the race car the day after he was acquitted -- as promised.

"I can say this, we never, ever were going to leave his side. It's worked out and I think the payoff today is not only for him but for everybody on this team that never, never blinked an eye.''

And Castroneves' competitors seemed just as genuinely glad for him.

"Helio winning, that's great for him and everything that's been going on with him. ... I'm happy to see him happy,'' Patrick said. "He's great for the sport.

"So congrats to Helio, he had this standout month, really. If you'd ask me who was going to win, I would have said Helio.''

Even after missing the season opener while standing trial, Castroneves' win Sunday and his runner-up at Kansas on April 26 have helped propel him to second place in the championship standings, five points behind Franchitti entering next week's race in Milwaukee.

After posting the fastest lap in final practice on Friday and winning the pit stop contest, Castroneves humbly declared he had turned the page and written the last great chapter of his ordeal.

After Sunday, Castroneves conceded with a smile, "I said it was the last one, but I think it's the beginning. Certainly this is a great way to come back.

"I feel fantastic."

Which, for Castroneves, is an understatement.