This is an update to:
Helio Castroneves Loses Penske Indy Car Ride
Two-time Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix winner and “Dancing with the Stars” champ Helio Castroneves thanked Penske Racing for its support at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today as the team introduced his replacement for 2009 preseason testing and possibly the year.
With Castroneves facing court in Miami on March 2 on tax-evasion charges, his spot in the No. 3 Dallara/Honda has gone to Australian Will Power, at least for testing, and perhaps subsequent races, depending on the outcome of the trial.
If Castroneves, a two-time Indy 500 champion, beats the charges, Penske Racing might look at running three drivers in the IndyCar Series this season, with the Indy 500, which Castroneves won in 2001 and 2002, a strong likelihood. Aussie Ryan Briscoe is the other current Penske driver.
“Roger (Penske) and Tim (Cindric, president of Penske Racing) back me up all the way; it’s good to have friends like that,” Castroneves said. “I’d like to talk more about my situation, but I’m not able. My life is all about racing, and I feel confident those other things are going to be over. I am innocent of these charges.”
Castroneves said that he hoped to drive during the IndyCar season that begins in April.
Castroneves said his life was about racing and that he was “very confident” of his return to racing.
Castroneves’ trial on charges of conspiracy and tax evasion involving about $5.5 million in income stashed in offshore accounts is scheduled to begin on March 2 in Miami. Tim Cindric, the team president, said that Castroneves needs to spend his time between now and then preparing for his defense rather than driving.
“We need to be sure that we’re ready to go and we’re ready to win as many races as we can,” Cindric said.
Because of all the unknowns about Castroneves’ future, Power’s future is also in doubt. If Castroneves’ case is resolved and he is available to race on April 4, Cindric said, “The No. 3 car is his.”
Power said he has no problem with the uncertainty. Such is the attraction of driving for Penske.
“When I was given this offer,” he said, “I didn’t give it much thought. I just thought it was the best direction for me. I can learn a lot in this team. These guys have got a lot of experience. I think no matter what happens, I’ll come out of it a better driver.”
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