Racers in Isolation: Helio Castroneves

Sportscar365 is asking drivers from around the world what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they’re coping with the racing downtime.

Acura Team Penske driver and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves (Twitter/Instagram) features in this edition.

Where are you sitting out the COVID-19 crisis?

First, I hope everyone is taking care of themselves and being safe, My family and I, we are safe and following all the safety measures here in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where I reside.

You’ve been quite active in sim racing. Talk about your sim rig and how it’s been to adapt to virtual racing…

I was never into video games and of course it is so much different from my Atari (hehehe) that I had as a kid. It definitely has been fun and frustrating at the same time. There are so many tricks that I am way behind…but as I said, it’s a lot fun!

Do you have any pets?

I just lost my Beagle of 16 years old…my daughter has a little Yorkie and they were best friends…. tough loss.

What are you doing to maintain your fitness level?

I have been exercising every day, especially now that we don’t have any travel. I feel like I’m in pretty good shape I must say.

What’s your favorite holiday destination?

I like to go to Cartegena in Colombia, my wife is Colombian and it is awesome place to spend a great time and disconnect.

If you could be the president of IMSA for a day, what would you change?

I would add a race at Indianapolis on the Grand Prix circuit and make it a 12-hour race, starting at midnight and finishing at noon….or six hours starting 6 p.m. and finishing at midnight.

Is there a track/race still on your ‘bucket list’ that you would like to race one day?

Oh yes, I have several: Le Mans, Spa, Fuji, Suzuka.

What other form of motorsports would you like to try your hand in?

Trying Super GT in Japan would be interesting… I heard the cars are awesome!

What’s the one thing you are most looking forward to the first day you return to a race track?

Going down the straight away full throttle and attack the corners!