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Dan Peters
Sports Editor
Suburban
Journals of Chicago Inc.
Oak Park Journal
Forest Park Journal
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© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
by Mark Rotor
Winner's Circle
Castroneves
nearly perfect…
Emotional in
3rd Indy 500 Victory
Helio performed his signature “Spiderman” fence climb along the
front straightaway directly across from his pit box. The win came
in his third race since returning to the IndyCar Series following an
acquittal in federal court on charges of tax evasion.
"This is incredible," Castroneves said. "I think my tears speak for
everything. What a great team. I just have to thank, first of all, the
Lord for giving me this opportunity, to be strong, to have a family
that I have. I have to think Roger (Penske), Tim (Cindric), my guys,
Phillip Morris, all the associates (sponsors), Verizon, everybody
because they gave my life back. I'm here today because of those guys.
And obviously the fans. You guys don't understand. You guys kept me
strong. You guys are the best. I'm honored to have fans like you. Thank
you so much. Let's celebrate now."
Castroneves passed 2008 race winner Scott Dixon on Lap 142 and never
looked back. He beat 2005 winner Dan Wheldon to the finish line
by 1.9819 seconds. Danica Patrick was third.
Patrick’s 3rd place surpasses her previous best of 4th in her rookie
year in 2005 Castroneves became the ninth driver to win the Historic
May Classic at least three times, and the first to do so since Rick
Mears recorded the third of four race wins in 1988.
The win capped a perfect month for Castroneves, who was the first
driver since Buddy Rice in 2004 to sweep the Peak Performance Pole
Award, Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Challenge and the race.
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