msrpk.com blog

"Helio's Back"

We join you from the 35th edition of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, where a real-life feel good story just took place. Helio Castroneves retook his place behind the wheel of the #3 Dallara Honda owned by the legendary "Captain", Roger Penske--scan hours after a Miami jury acquitted him on six counts of federal tax evasion in US Federal Court. Penske made it clear--he stood behind Helio and assured him that he (Castroneves) would get the seat back if acquitted. That put Will Power into a third car in Verizon livery this weekend, and for the Indianapolis 500. The Captain was certainly loyal to Castroneves and kept his word. I am not so sure other owners would have had that much patience and loyalty if faced with such a dilemma.

Helio makes no secret about the practice of his Catholic faith. He says that faith, and weekends in shifter go-karts, helped him through the dark days of that 7 week trial.

The last time Castroneves raced here in 2001, he led 82 laps on the way to Victory Lane. The fastest driver this morning was Dario Franchitti. Power, who won this race in 2008 (the last of the Champ Car series in reunification) was third in the Verizon car...point leader Ryan Briscoe (third member of the Penske triumverate) clocked in 16th.

David Brabham put the Patron Acura LeMans Prototype 1 car on the pole for this afternoon's race in the American LeMans Series sprint race which will take the green after qualifying.

In the signature Toyota Pro Celebrity Race, a familiar name took the checkers in the Pro category--the now retired Al Unser, Jr. with seven checkers--five in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and now two in the Celebrity race (first one was in 1985--25 years ago) Keanu Reeves won the celebrity portion--Jamie Little was mired in mid pack--the ESPN pit reporter and last year's celebrity winner was never a factor.

More after qualifying for the Indy Cars and definitely more after the American LeMans race.