IndyCar star Castroneves decides against NASCAR, signs long-term deal to stay in IRL
Quote selected text Published July 5th, 2008 in NASCAR News
Helio Castroneves has agreed to a long-term contract with Penske Racing IndyCar Series team, squelching rumors he was considering a jump to NASCAR. Castroneves declined to confirm details except to say it is a multiyear contract. Castroneves was to become a free agent at the end of the season.
“We don’t have it signed, but we have everything agreed to,” Castroneves said Friday at Watkins Glen International, site of Sunday’s Indy Racing League event. “It’s good.”
Team president Tim Cindric confirmed the oral agreement. Series officials were ecstatic with the news. “That’s excellent, cool, very good, it’s huge,” said Terry Angstadt, the president of the league’s commercial division. “You look at the breakthrough names (in the series) and it’s Helio and Danica at this stage. Those two are very important names. It’s critical to have Helio here not just with his personality but his talent and all the things he brings to the table.”
Castroneves is the first piece of the IndyCar Series’ driver puzzle to fall into place for the 2009 season. Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti also have contracts that expire at the end of the season. Wheldon has said he is working through the details to remain with Ganassi Racing, and Andretti figures to return to his family-owned Andretti Green Racing.
- Bowyer to stay at RCR through at least 2009
- IndyCar star Helio Castroneves ponders move to NASCAR in 2009
- Hornish & Castroneves confirmed for Rolex 24
- Castroneves Leads Friday Practice at Watkins Glen
- Castroneves refutes story that he will go to NASCAR
Good, all of those open wheelers can stay in the IRL!
Dan wrote:
Does that statement include Sprint/Midget drivers and Modified drivers as well, because well then half of the current field on your TV wouldn’t be in the race.
Nothing against the guy but its plain to see the IRL drivers arent doing to well in cup and having trouble with sponsorship and such,it would more than likely end up being another dario if moved to cup try the trucks or nationwide 1st,I mean if half the cup drivers now are having trouble getting the handle on the COT what in the world are these owners thinking.
Helio is an asset to any series he would race in,talent and personality go a long way.
GOOD! I dont want to see him dancing around around like a fruit anymore.
After watching Dario get stuck in his butt, I’ll bet a lot of the open wheelers will now think twice.