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Indy Champ Castroneves Considering NASCAR

Driver may follow previous open-wheel racers and bolt for stock cars

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(Newser) – Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is considering trading in his Indy car for a NASCAR stock car, reports the Los Angeles Times. "I won't deny that I'm thinking about it," Castroneves said. "It would be great to one day try the cars. But at this point I'm focusing on Indy cars and winning the Indianapolis 500 again" on Sunday.

If he changes races, the Brazilian would join several other big-name open-wheel racers who made the switch to NASCAR, including Juan Pablo Montoya and 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. However, Castroneves feels he shouldn’t make the switch on a whim. "It depends on the opportunity," he said. "It's all about the timing and I'm not sure if the timing is right."

Race driver Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, signs autographs for children on a school field trip before the start practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Race driver Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, signs autographs for children on a school field trip before the start practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Helio Castroneves pulls off pit row for a practice session at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Saturday, April 26, 2008. Castroneves is practicing for Sunday's Road Runner Turbo Indy 300.
Helio Castroneves pulls off pit row for a practice session at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Saturday, April 26, 2008. Castroneves is practicing for Sunday's Road Runner Turbo Indy 300.   (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Race driver Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, enters the track during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 16, 2008.
Race driver Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, enters the track during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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