Helio Castroneves has agreed to a long-term contract with Penske Racing IndyCar Series team, squelching rumors he was considering a jump to NASCAR. Castroneves declined to confirm details except to say it is a multiyear contract. Castroneves was to become a free agent at the end of the season. “We don’t have it signed, but we have everything agreed to,” Castroneves said Friday at Watkins Glen International, site of Sunday’s Indy Racing League event. “It’s good.” Team president Tim Cindric confirmed the oral agreement. Series officials were ecstatic with the news. “That’s excellent, cool, very good, it’s huge,” said Terry Angstadt, the president of the league’s commercial division. “You look at the breakthrough names (in the series) and it’s Helio and Danica at this stage. Those two are very important names. It’s critical to have Helio here not just with his personality but his talent and all the things he brings to the table.” Castroneves is the first piece of the IndyCar Series’ driver puzzle to fall into place for the 2009 season. Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti also have contracts that expire at the end of the season. Wheldon has said he is working through the details to remain with Ganassi Racing, and Andretti figures to return to his family-owned Andretti Green Racing.(Indianapolis Star)(7-5-2008)
