Race of a lifetime for Castroneves

INDIANAPOLIS – Helio Castroneves slumped into the cockpit of his racecar and, head bowed, began to sob uncontrollably. The enormity of his third Indianapolis 500 victory washed over him as thoroughly as he had overwhelmed 32 adversaries on this hot, humid and historic Sunday.

For Castroneves, victory lane represented a figurative and literal symbol for all he has overcome: The six-week trial for tax evasion and his eventual acquittal, the late start to his IndyCar season, fending off teammate Ryan Briscoe for the pole at Indy, and then, chased to the finish line by his angels and demons, winning the 93rd Indianapolis 500.

The popular Brazilian was finally, comfortably, in control of his element, if not his own emotions. He had stood at the precipice of a possible long prison term, and as he raced for his life and his livelihood, no one was going to catch him. Not then. Not now.

Castroneves had spent most of the day at or near the front of the pack, and during his 17-lap sprint to the finish following a horrific crash involving Vitor Meira and Raphael Matos, it was clear he was not going to give in. As he approached the finish line of his 200-lap crusade, Castroneves raised his fist and shouted into his radio, "Thank you, God."

"Once I got in front, it was never look back," he said later.

His victory added a Hollywood ending to a tale that in many respects is really just the beginning: The rebirth of a free man and unstoppable force.

"This is incredible. I think my tears speak for everything," he said. "I just let it go. It was a very special moment."

For team owner Roger Penske, it was vindication for his decision to stand by Castroneves through the tough times and a sweet 15th victory at the Indianapolis 500. Perhaps his sweetest.

"I have to thank Roger, [team president Tim Cindric], my guys … everybody, because they gave me my life back," Castroneves said during a sometimes emotional postrace news conference. "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."

The feeling is, as usual, mutual when it comes to Castroneves. His fans had poured out their love and unwavering devotion during his legal battle and Castroneves rewarded them with his signature fence-climbing antics after the race … fending off a persistent track official who tried to herd him directly to victory lane.

Penske, the meticulous owner and elder statesman of open-wheel racing, stayed calm through the whole ordeal, but there was no mistaking this one meant a lot to him.

"He's part of the family," he said of Castroneves. "We never ever were going to leave his side, and today was the payoff.

"I had so much faith that Helio hadn't done anything wrong. The final answer [verdict] was exactly what we thought it would be."

Castroneves, usually gregarious and easy-going off the track, is all business on it. When he's in his car, with his helmet on and visor down, he's in another world. And, like his mentor, he's calm and businesslike.

"When I'm in [the cockpit], I'm in my space, my territory and I know what to do," he said. "It's the greatest place in the world."

On Sunday, when issues with his tires knocked him back into the pack, he took it in stride and worked his way back. "We never lost our calm on the tire issues we had," he said. "That's what it takes to win this race."

Castroneves nearly had that place of contentment stripped from him by a Florida court, and he's never going to forget it or take it for granted. "You don't have to worry about anything else," when in the car, he explained. "Today was just a perfect situation."

Penske admitted to being nervous as the final laps wound down because so much can happen to late-lap leaders at Indianapolis. But barring a caution, "I knew it was ours to lose," he said.

And on this day, Castroneves was not going to lose. No way.

"I was trying to make it easy," he said. "I was waiting for the right time."

And when that time came, he zipped into the lead and left Dan Wheldon and Danica Patrick in his wake, fighting for second place.

"I'm very happy for him," Patrick said after settling for third place. "He's always been kind to me and I felt he respected me, which means a lot. He's great for the sport. But he's tough to beat."

"He should be very proud," Wheldon added.

Inevitably, talk turned to the possibility of Castroneves winning a record five times at Indianapolis. He quickly played down the discussion, preferring to revel in his third win. Besides, there's time now for those pursuits.

"I'm going to enjoy the moment because it's special," he said.

Castroneves has his life back and he's not going to let go.

"Wow. Three. I can't believe it," he said.

The tears were gone now, replaced by his signature smile.