Helio Castroneves Wins Race Despite Legal Woes

October 6, 2008

Tags:Helio Castroneves, Courts, Celebrities, Athletes, Dancing With the Stars

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    Helio Castroneves celebrates his victory at the Petit Le Mans race in Georgia

  • AP

    Helio Castroneves talks to the media about his alleged tax evasion in Miami, Florida

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    Helio Castroneves arrives at the 2008 ALMA Awards, August 17, 2008

  • ABC

    Helio and Julianne hug as they finish up the dance

 
 
 
 
  • Getty Images

    Helio Castroneves celebrates his victory at the Petit Le Mans race in Georgia

  • AP

    Helio Castroneves talks to the media about his alleged tax evasion in Miami, Florida

  • Getty Images

    Helio Castroneves arrives at the 2008 ALMA Awards, August 17, 2008

  • ABC

    Helio and Julianne hug as they finish up the dance

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE: October 6, 2008 08:20 AM

BRASELTON, Ga. --

Tax trouble didn’t slow down Helio Castroneves on Saturday. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner – and “Dancing with the Stars” Season Five champ – won the Petit Le Mans race at Braselton, Georgia’s Road Atlanta, according to the Associated Press.

“It has been a difficult two days, but to finish first, it turned out to be a good day,” Castroneves told the Associated Press. “It was a great day, and we’re going to continue to move forward.”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the racing champ was charged with one count of conspiracy and six counts of tax evasion in Miami on Thursday, over what authorities allege is his failure to pay over $5 million in taxes. His sister and business manager, Katiucia Castroneves, is also facing charges, as is his attorney, Alan Miller.

Helio plead not guilty in court on Friday. According to the Associated Press, he was released on a $10 million bail and is permitted to race in the U.S., allowing him to wind up in the winner’s circle at Petit Le Mans – a feat he says he’ll duplicate in court.

“This problem is like a race,” he told the Associated Press on Saturday. “And we’re going to win.”

But for now, he seemed happy to be back doing what he does best.

“When you’re out in the car you’re the only one,” he said. “That was perfect for me. … The fans kept me going. They gave me an immense amount of support. I was very touched.”

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