ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
Trading four tires for two decidedly not left feet, Helio Castroneves, with partner
Julianne Hough, takes home the winner’s trophy on Dancing with the Stars
By Dave Lewandowski
Helio Castroneves falls onto the sofa
and gingerly peels off the pink socks
that complement his shirt to reveal
blisters and red marks on both feet. It might be
a familiar scene for the Dancing with the Stars
professional dance partners after an extended
rehearsal, but this IndyCar Series driver isn’t
accustomed to such bodily damage inflicted by
relatively slow-speed contact.
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner
momentarily frowns at the sight, then shrugs.
“I didn’t know dancing would be so much
hard work,” says Castroneves, whose lexicon had
been impregnated by rondes, whip turns and
fondu during the 10-week run of the top-rated
TV show. “It’s a sport. The physical part was hard
because I was using muscles I never used before.
My hips don’t move. In a race car, you don’t want
your hips to move because it can be dangerous. It
was something very different for me.”
Maybe at the outset. But after learning and
performing the Foxtrot, Mambo, Samba and
VIDEO EXTRA
DANCING WITH
THE STARS
VIDEO EXTRA
Watch Helio and
Julianne as they
dance their way
across the Yard of
Bricks at the
Indianapolis
Motor Speedway
assorted other ballroom routines with pro
partnerJulianne Hough, it didn’t seem as foreign
to the Brazilian with the thousand-watt smile.
Eventually, Castroneves emerged as a cross
between Roberto Benigni and Fred Astaire.
Ultimately, the couple reigned on the dance
floor and in the hearts of millions of viewers.
When host Tom Bergeron announced that
the duo had won the celebrity competition,
the ebullient Castroneves initially didn’t
comprehend what he was hearing.
“When our names were announced, I had to
look at Julianne to make sure I heard it
correctly,” he says, clutching the cheesy mirror
ball trophy like one of his Baby Borgs. “Honestly,
that feeling when they called our names was
totally different than winning a race. Obviously,
Indianapolis is my biggest win, but this is great.
“It is so fun and surreal. I have to say that I
neverthought I would go this far. My goal was not
to be the first one eliminated, and look where I
am. I mean, this is just an incredible experience.”
LONG SHOT ATHLETE IN THE MIX
When reigning Dancing with the Stars
champion, Olympic short-track speed skating
medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, casually
mentioned, “You should be on the show” on
race day of the 91st Indianapolis 500, it
intrigued Castroneves. He sought to learn
more, but at a more convenient time.
Castroneves joined the cast of 12 celebrities –
as one of only two professional athletes – and
began rehearsing with Hough while the
IndyCar Series season was winding down.
The Team Penske driver initially was out of
his element among the entertainers (actors,
singers and models), most of whom had picked
up at least some rudiments of dance with their
stage/TV training. Castroneves quipped that he
would need his “‘helmet and safety gear” to
dance because of some missteps while
practicing with Hough.
But the couple immediately clicked, which
assisted Hough, a 19-year-old dynamo who
He’s got it
IndyCarSeries 2007 winterspecial 19
Courtesy IMS Productions
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