Helio Castroneves' Top IndyCar Goal in 2022: One for the Thumb

It may be hard to believe that nearly 15 years ago has gone by since Helio Castroneves won Dancing With The Stars back in 2007.

Yet when he was introduced Tuesday during the second of two IndyCar preseason media days in Indianapolis, rather than doing the samba, waltz or foxtrot, the affable Brazilian was ready to break out into song instead.

Four-part harmony, you might say.

“I’ve been introduced several times today (as the newest four-time Indianapolis 500 winner),” Castroneves said. “It’s just music to my ears, I have to say.”

Now, after scoring the biggest hit—and most electric and joyous post-win celebration—of his career last May in the Indianapolis 500, Castroneves is ready for an encore performance in the 106th edition of the Greatest Spectacle In Racing less than 4 ½ months from now.

“Absolutely,” Castroneves said. “I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have a chance. Going to be fighting for it.”

As monstrous of a win and celebration as he enjoyed last May, Castroneves is ready to take things to the highest level of any driver in Indianapolis 500 history: he wants to set himself apart as the unrivaled champ with five wins in the world’s biggest car race.

Right now, Castroneves is tied with fellow IndyCar legends AJ Foyt, Rick Mears and the late Al Unser, who died last month at the age of 82.

After spending the previous three seasons competing full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Team Penske—the only full-time IndyCar team he had ever known—Castroneves returned to IndyCar part-time in 2021, driving for Meyer Shank Racing.

And what a way to make his debut with his new team.

Even though he started respectably from the middle of the third-row on the 33-car grid, it would not be a stretch to say few likely expected that 2 hours, 37 minutes and 19 seconds after taking the green flag, Castroneves would end the day by also taking the checkered flag.

Now, Castroneves looks to make history yet again, to become the first driver in 500 history to earn a winner’s ring for his thumb, you might say. But first things first, namely the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series opening race on February 27.

“(I’m) really, really, really looking forward to St. Pete,” Castroneves said. “Imagine what we did last year without any preparation. Now you can only imagine having everyone in sync. It's just going to get better.”

In a series where the defending champion (Alex Palou) is only 24 years old (turns 25 on April 1), nearly half of Castroneves’ age, Helio is half of one of the oldest teams of full-time drivers in IndyCar this season, being reunited with former Penske teammate Simon Pagenaud.

Ironically, Castroneves and Pagenaud both share birthdays in the month of May, Helio turns 47 on May 10, while Pagenaud turns 38 on May 18.

But they’re not slowing down. They’re ready to take on Palou, who, by the way, Castroneves beat to the finish line by nearly a half-second in the 500 last Memorial Day weekend.