Helio Castroneves: “Definitely, NASCAR is the biggest motorsports series in America”
By Angelique Chengelis
Oct 18, 2007
Penske Racing
If there could be one driver from the Cup series to compete on “Dancing with the Stars,” Castroneves believes Gordon could be the only one to pull it off.
Despite the grueling dance training, Castroneves has made time for work, however, and has tested his Indy car for Team Penske in Iowa and Alabama. He has not been too busy to take note of the number of open-wheel drivers who are headed to the Cup series.
“I think, definitely, NASCAR is the biggest motorsports series in America,” Castroneves said. “The popularity is huge. Drivers want to go and you want to take the challenge. Obviously, I’m dancing instead of going to NASCAR—it’s a different challenge.
“I enjoy open-wheel racing, but if I have an opportunity to try something new and different, why not? [Dario] Franchitti accomplished his goals [winning the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series title this year], so it’s natural. When you see something that’s similar to what you do, you want to try and see what you can do.”
