Helio, “Dancing with the Stars” has obviously been an amazing time for you. Can you talk a little about your experiences on the show? Has it been more than you expected?
HC: Absolutely, I never thought it would be that much fun. I’ve been meeting great people. All the celebrities have become great friends and the staff of the show is also extremely nice. It’s been a lot of hard work. I’ve been in Los Angeles for two months. I don’t know how my home is or what’s going on there. But the point is, I made a commitment and I’m having such a great time. I know this is going to be great in the future. It’s great for the series, it’s great for me. It’s a win, win situation for everyone. For me, I’m just having a great time and it’s been an incredible experience.
You’re dancing this season with last season’s winner. Is there any extra added pressure on you because Julianne won last year?
HC: The good news about dancing with Julianne is that she knows everything that she needs to do to win again. It’s like when I won the Indianapolis 500 for the firs time, I knew what I have to do. The second thing is, I’m not trying to be a professional dancer, I’m just trying to have as much fun as I can and keep going. I’m having a great time. This has been an amazing experience. As far as we can go, I’m very happy. I’m definitely putting a lot of work into this and enjoying every minute of it.
Julianne is a great choreographer and I think it stuns everyone. Last night you got a perfect score on your quick step. What was your reaction to that?
HC: It was great! I couldn’t ask for a better result. A perfect score is what we were looking for. I don’t know if it was the right time, but it definitely felt great. We’re going to continue to do whatever we can to have great scores. Don’t forget to vote!
Can you describe what you’re going through physically with the dancing and how it compares to your training for the IndyCar Series?
HC: It’s a totally different way of practicing. Definitely my upper body isn’t being used as much as we do in the head, neck and shoulders, but my legs are extremely fit. I did loose weight like everybody normally does on the show, but I was already fit, and I think I gained weight in terms of muscle, which is the best thing I can have and that’s going to help me for the peddles. They’re going to have to be much stronger to be sure I don’t break it.
What has been the hardest part about participating in the show – the harassment from the other drivers or learning the dances?
HC: The drivers have been very, very nice and sending me great support messages. Hopefully they’re voting, as well! The dances have been extremely difficult. Up to his point, I have been learning dances every week, which was the biggest challenge to learn the new moves and the new routine. That’s probably the hardest one. But, now we just go step by step and hopefully we can go all the way.
You’re doing really well and the perfect 10s were just amazing.
HC: Oh, trust me, I was like “wow! ” That blew my mind away. I could not believe it.
Have you ever had any perfection before? As a race car driver this must be different for you, because you can win, but it’s not necessarily a perfect grade.
HC: You’re right, it’s about consistency. We have not been consistent, I would say, but we’ve been up and down, up and down, and when the judges ask us to do something we go ahead and push ourselves and make it happen. I have to say that you can definitely win a race, but it’s not just about the dance. Proof was when Sabrina was voted off. She was a fantastic dancer, but the fan base is extremely important. So, it’s not so much in our control and it’s a combination. Hopefully we are having both.
A lot has been going on with Team Penske since you’ve been in LA. Have you talked to Sam Hornish since he announced his move to NASCAR?
HC: Yes, I spoke to him when he came to the show. I have to say I wish him all the best. He’s a talented driver and I know he’s going to do well. Sooner or later, he will definitely end up winning races over there. Now, with Ryan (Briscoe) joining the team, it’s great new, young blood. We know him from the Porsche project (in the American Le Mans Series). It’s going to be an extremely good atmosphere. He seems to be a great person, and he definitely is a fast driver, and that’s what we need.
Have you had much experience with Ryan?
HC: We raced once at Sebring this year. It as a great combination, so I definitely feel we’ll be excited and pushing each other to be sure both cars end up in the race.
How many hours a week do you actually spend preparing for the show?
HC: It’s funny. We start at about 10 a. m. and stop at about 6 p. m. We stop for little breaks like eating or a little rest for 30 or 45 minutes. As long as my feet are there and not hurting that much, I just want to keep going. Sometimes we take a two or three hour break, but I feel we need to go again. Julianne and I talk, and I say, “Hey, let’s focus on details now. Now that I know the routine, let’s focus on details. ” It’s a whole day, trust me. It’s the whole entire day is dancing, and when you’re not dancing, you’re doing interviews for the show. Hey, I committed, and I’ve been living for two months already in LA. I’m trying to do the best I can.
Now that you’ve been in it for several weeks, does it get any easier?
HC: No, as far as the dancing, no. I think, picking up the routines might be. Maybe your brain gets a little bit used to it. I’ve got to say that my brain has been getting a little bit faster. It’s been good. It’s learning different things and it’s good for your mind.
Have you heard anything from Tony Kanaan since you’ve been on the show?
HC: He’s the only one who hasn’t called yet. I’m sure he’s busy being a dad, I guess, which is okay. The rest of the other drivers have been extremely supportive and fun and sending messages, which is hilarious. Nobody is making fun, everybody has been very supportive like, “man, you’re really good! ” “man, you’re incredible. ” It’s been really fun. I have to say, it’s great when you hear Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin calling you and saying “We’re all supporting you and we’re here watching you every Monday. ” It’s fun to have this kind of friendship and this kind of support.
Have you heard anything about Sam Hornish coming back to IndyCar if Team Penske decides to field a third car?
HC: I don’t know. He just moved to NASCAR. I’m sure he’ll be focused as much as he can on NASCAR and try to do the best he can. Right now, I didn’t hear anything. Don’t forget to vote!
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