Indy Driver Castroneves Acquitted in Tax Case

Brazilian race car driver and "Dancing With The Stars" champ Helio Castroneves was acquitted Friday of most charges that he worked with his sister and lawyer to evade more than $2.3 million in U.S. income taxes.

A federal jury acquitted Castroneves on six counts of tax evasion but was hung on one count of conspiracy. When the sentence was read, Castroneves broke into sobs and leaned against his attorneys for support.

Evan Darling: Just Being Himself

To many gay men and lesbians who love auto racing, he's a trailblazer. To the LGBT community at large, he's an advocate. To the many closeted gay athletes, he's a mentor.

If you ask Evan Darling who he is, he'd say he's just being himself. It only takes a couple of minutes to realize there is more to this speed demon than meets the eye.

Indy 500: 3 women make the starting line-up!

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For the second year in a row, 3 of the 33 starting positions in the Indy 500 will be filled by women.

• Danica Patrick (L) starting in the fifth position.  Finished in 8th place in 2007.

• Sarah Fisher (M) starting in the 22nd position. Finished in 18th place in 2007.

• Milka Duno (R) starting in the 27th position. Finished in 31st place in 2007. 

Way to go ladies!  We'll be pulling for you!

For a complete list of the starting line up, check the official Indy 500 website.

Source: USA Today 

Originally posted by Samantha Vicars

Spectator sport: Former Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon

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From the gifted to the gorgeous, Spectator sport showcases athletes at the top of their game.

Dan Wheldon's name may not be as recognizable as Al Unser, Bobby Rahal, or Mario Andretti but the one thing he has in common with these racing legends is an Indy 500 win. 

He's now aiming at the 2008 Indy title and has a good shot at grabbing it.  He secured the #2 starting slot with a blazing 226.110 mph qualifier. 

"I love speed. I have six or seven cars at home including an Aston Martin DB9 and the new Jaguar, the XKR. But what drives me more than the speed is the competition."

Auto racing: Danica does Letterman

Danica Patrick made an appearance last night on the Late Show with David Letterman to discuss winning her maiden championship last Sunday and becoming the first woman to win a professional racing title. The visit was also a reunion of sorts: Letterman was once Patrick's team owner.

Auto racing: Danica does it, wins first career title

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Glamour girl Danica Patrick won the first title of her career at the Indy Japan 300 race becoming the first woman to win a championship in the Indy Racing League.

Patrick, dubbed "the Anna Kournikova of racing" for having beautiful looks but no professional titles, defeated Brazilian Helio Castroneves by six seconds.

The 26-year old was thrilled about earning her first title at Motegi's Twin Ring Circuit saying,

It's been a long time coming -- finally. This is fabulous. My team called it perfectly for me. I knew I was on the same strategy as Helio and when I passed him for the lead I couldn't believe it. My sex has got nothing to do with it. I believed in myself as a driver.

One question: How'd they get Michael Jackson to help out with the trophy?

 

Source: Reuters.com

Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez

NASCAR: Who should be in my fifth position

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There are 43 hot and sweaty drivers on the NASCAR circuit. I’ve chosen four I like best — now I’m looking for another and need your help. Who will be my fifth favorite Nextel Cup driver?

NASCAR: Not Your Daddy’s Daytona 500!

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I feel stimulated in a way that only another NASCAR fan could understand. The 50th running of the Daytona 500 has re-inspired and re-energized me for 2008. It’s also a chance for me to point out to all of you — this is not your Daddy’s NASCAR.