Biography of helio castroneves crash
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Helio Castroneves, recovering after crash in Brazil, said barrier was too close to track
Helio Castroneves feared injury if a Brazilian lager car driver lost control in the fastest section of the new Ribeirao Preto street circuit.
Castroneves became that driver on Aug. 9 when brake failure caused his car to slam head-first into the tire barrier that he said was too close to the track.
The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and current IndyCar Series points leader suffered leg cuts and a neck stukning in what he described as a frightening crash in his hometown event.
“I did tell the guys that they needed to move the wall at the end of the straightaway; it was too close,” Castroneves told The Star on Tuesday. “I told them, if somebody loses their brakes right there he’s going to hit that wall hard.”
Castroneves said he was traveling about 120 mph. He was told the impact force was among the highest recorded in series history.
“I believe it because it was a violent impact,” he said.
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What to know about Helio Castroneves, four-time Indy 500 winner in the Daytona 500
Helio Castroneves is a world class driver. He's proven that by winning the Indianapolis 500 a record-tying four times.
But can the Brazilian make the crossover from open wheel racing to NASCAR Cup in his first start in the Daytona 500?
We'll find out Sunday (1 p.m., CT FOX) in the 67th annual Great American Race when Castroneves takes advantage of a new NASCAR rule designed to give "world-class drivers" an automatic berth in the Daytona 500, making it the largest field since 2015.
Castroneves, who didn't have to qualify on speed and relied on NASCAR's Open Exemption Provisional to receive a spot in the field, will start from the 41st position in row 21, which is dead last.
According to the exemption provisional, Castroneves is not eligible for prize money or points in the 200-lap race.
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Along with the FOX national broadcast the Daytona 50
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Helio Castroneves talks about 'violent impact,' recovery
INDIANAPOLIS — Helio Castroneves feared injury if a Brazilian stock car driver lost control in the fastest section of the new Ribeirao Preto street circuit.
Castroneves became that driver last Friday when brake failure caused his car to slam head-first into the tire barrier that he said was too close to the track.
The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and current IndyCar Series points leader suffered leg cuts and a neck sprain in what he described as a frightening crash in his hometown event.
"I did tell the guys that they needed to move the wall at the end of the straightaway; it was too close," Castroneves told The Indianapolis Star Tuesday. "I told them, if somebody loses their brakes right there he's going to hit that wall hard."
Castroneves said he was traveling about 120 mph. He was was told the impact force was among the highest recorded in series history.
"I believe it because it was a violent impact," he said