All clear for Castroneves at Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Two months ago charismatic Brazilian Helio Castroneves was more worried about losing a legal battle than winning a third Indy 500.
Cleared of tax evasion charges that could have landed him in prison, Castroneves is back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will start Sunday's Indy 500 from pole in a bid for a hat-trick of wins at the famed Brickyard.
With his legal problems now in the rear view mirror, Castroneves's joy at being back in his Penske Dallara Honda is inescapable.
The 34-year-old driver sent a warning to the rest of the 33 car field in the build-up to the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" by capturing pole position and posting the fastest time in final practise.
The month of May has been packed with good news for Castroneves but none more welcome than the message delivered by his father on Friday.
Shortly after adding the Pit Stop Challenge to his list of May triumphs, Castroneves learned he had been cleared on the final count of his tax case -- conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government.
"This month is falling into place," Castroneves told reporters. "I just want to thank the team for always believing, for always being behind me."
That dark chapter in Castroneves's life might now be closed but there is still much to be written about the bubbly Brazilian, known among racing fans as 'Spiderman' for scaling the fences surrounding the track after a win.
Castroneves's resume includes 14 IndyCar series victories but it is number 15 that could hold special significance for himself and team owner Roger Penske.
If Castroneves can deliver a win on Sunday it would provide the perfect pay back for Penske's unwavering loyalty by giving the car owner a record 15th Indy win.
"It's been a rollercoaster of emotion, very difficult with mental fatigue, but it is great to be back in the race car," Castroneves told Reuters.
"I have to thank Penske for making that happen because without that my career would be over."
(Editing by Rex Gowar)
