In May, Brazilian Hélio Castroneves competed in the most famous and traditional race in world motorsport in search of a victory that could have secured him a historic triumph. Finishing in first place in the 103rd edition of the Indianapolis 500, the driver would have equaled AJ Foyt, Al 
Unser, and Rick Mears as one of the greatest winners in the history of this race, with four titles won. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Hélio finished in eighteenth place.
With over 20 years of career, numerous victories, and an impeccable reputation on the tracks, one might think that is enough. Not for Hélio. The tireless driver continues to seek challenges and is considering competing once again in the Indianapolis 500 next year if the opportunity arises.
Hélio is no longer part of the Penske’s fixed team (his team since 2000) in the Indy formula. In 2018, he joined the Acura Team Penske (with Juan Pablo Montoya and Dane Cameron) to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. However, he raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 2018 and 
2019 as the fourth driver of the same team.
In an exclusive interview with The Brasilians, Hélio talks about his successes and challenges both on and off the track. Check it out below.
The Brazilians: With over 20 years of a successful career, you don’t seem to want to leave the tracks. What else would you like to win?
Hélio Castroneves: The intention is not to stop anytime soon. As long as there is fuel and love for this career, I don’t want to stop. But I also don’t want to be one of those people who don’t know their limits. Now, being contracted by Penske in sports cars, I am facing endurance races as well as the famous races, like Daytona. These are races that have history in motorsport, so you have new challenges with that.
TB: After so many years racing, do you still feel butterflies in your stomach before a race?
HC: Adrenaline is part of it, and the butterflies too. If you lose that feeling, you shouldn’t continue. It prepares you to go a little into the fight. You need to have a spark. If you don’t have it, it’s not the moment.
TB: What is your professional routine like? Do you manage to have a social life, or do you lead that disciplined athlete’s life?
HC: Now that I’m in the sports car, the season starts in January and goes until October. Now it’s a bit more scheduled. You race only once a month. I’m still adapting since it’s my second year. But I can enjoy a bit, like traveling during spring break with my daughter.
TB: What is the boring part of the profession?
HC: The travel. We travel a lot because of sponsorship and to promote the category. Besides that, my team is in Charlotte, and I live in Florida.
TB: What do you plan to do after you retire from racing?
HC: I’m looking for business opportunities. But I would love to stay involved with racing, as a consultant or in some other way. It’s something I’ve done for so many years, and it’s something I can pass on to others.
TB: A career in television perhaps? You’ve already shown that you have a lot of charisma in front of the cameras.
HC: I don’t know (laughs). I don’t think so. I try to be spontaneous. When things are more relaxed, it goes so well. But I love it; I have a lot of fun.
TB: And after winning “Dancing With the Stars,” do you still dance?
HC: Wherever I go, from clubs to wedding parties, I have to dance. But it’s been a while; I don’t remember anymore.
TB: You’ve lived in Florida for many years. What is your life like as an immigrant in the United States? Do you plan to return to live in Brazil?
HC: Florida is a place with a climate very similar to our country. And there is a very large (Brazilian) community. Technology today allows you to watch many things from Brazil. My life is here. I don’t have anything left there. My parents are in Brazil, but they live part of the year here. My wife is Colombian, so I end up going there (to Colombia) a lot. I don’t know what will happen. My daughter is 9 years old; maybe when she goes to college. But for now, it’s not in the plans (to return to Brazil).