| Helio Castroneves' Underwear | | Date Created: Nov 15, 2007, 10:19 AM |
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Thursday Update: Yes, Helio won and Dale Jr. is Popular for the fifth consecutive season.
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Though I have steadfastly refused to watch the show, I am aware that the lil' Brazilian sparkplug Helio Castroneves is in the running to win this season's "Dancing With the Stars." While he's now known for his two Indianapolis 500 rings, his post-victory fence-climbing and the way he can shake a tail-feather on network television, my favorite Helio story comes from his rookie season in the CART series when the man they now call "Spiderman" was one of Mercedes-Benz' favorite young sons.
Helio, appearing in his first news conference with Mercedes as a rookie in 1998 (and then spelling his last name 'Castro-Neves'), explained how he first became associated with his hero and fellow Brazilian, Emerson Fittipaldi.
Fittipaldi, an Indy winner and Formula One world champ who is beyond-Dale Jr-famous and heroic in his native country, had become involved with the late Tony Bettenhausen's underdog team. called to offer Helio the ride.
"Hello, this is Emerson Fittipaldi..."
"Is it really?!," Helio asked skeptically.
"Yes, it is," said Fittipaldi, only to be met with total silence from the other end of the line. Helio hadn't hung up on his hero - but was not on the handset.
"I had to go put on pants!," Helio explained breathlessly when he returned to the phone moments later. "I cannot talk to Emerson Fittipaldi in my underwear!" |
 A great story, told with usual verve from one of my favorite guys: always fun, personable and a superb family-oriented person, whether he wins a goofy dance contest or not. But, I hope he does.
I believe he told the media the hilarious (or is that Helio-arious?) underwear story the same day I was roughed up by Sly Stallone's goons. Helio: good guy. Sly: not so much. |
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