CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The youth movement officially hit IndyCar on Wednesday when Team Penske said three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will move to its new sports car program next season.
The decision, expected all year, brings to an end the full-time IndyCar career of one of the series’ most popular drivers. Castroneves has been a 20-year staple on the circuit and the popular Brazilian has worldwide fame for his racing accomplishments, exuberant personality and win on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” program.
Castroneves will still drive for Penske at the Indianapolis 500 next May.
“I’ve been fortunate to achieve a lot of my personal goals with Team Penske over the years,” said Castroneves, the longest-tenured driver in Penske history. “I’m also excited to get a chance to race again for Team Penske at the Indianapolis 500. That race is near and dear to my heart and trying to become the fourth four-time winner is something I really want to accomplish in my career.
“We’ve come so close the last few years and with this team, I know we will have a great opportunity to try and make some history.”