Castroneves Not NASCAR-Bound Quite Yet
May 22, 2008 by Tim Zaegel
Filed under Racing
Image details: Bridgestone Indy 300 served by picapp.com
Several rumors have been floating around the internet this week ever since the Los Angeles Times printed an article that two-time winner of the Indy 500 and the recent subject of Dancing With the Stars, Helio Castroneves, stated this past Monday that he had indeed thought about one day trying his hand at the realm of the stock car world, and that he and car owner, Roger Penske, would talk after this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.
On Wednesday, Castroneves refuted the allegations, claiming that the LA Times took his comments out of context, and that even if he were to ever one day make the jump over to NASCAR, that day wouldn’t be today … or tomorrow … or any day on the 2009 calendar.
“Every driver is thinking about NASCAR or new challenges, let’s put it this way. But, it depends on the opportunity, and my opportunity right now is great being here in IndyCar, especially with the merger.” He later added, “The future, I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, right now, the only thing I can say is I’m very much committed to my team. I love where I’m at, and hopefully we can continue.”
When asked about his comments that he and Roger Penske would talk after Indy, Helio responded, “That’s the way we always do it with this team. It doesn’t mean I’m going to go anywhere.”
I think it be great to see Castroneves competing in NASCAR one day, but at the same time, I don’t really see a need to push the envelope and rushing things. NASCAR isn’t exactly hurting for a lack of former open wheel stars these days.
