IndyCar series controversy continues
Helio Castroneves will meet with IndyCar series officials next week to discuss his poor conduct following last week’s race at the Edmonton. Penalties will be announced following their meeting.
Castroneves was black flagged after blocking teammate Will Power during the restart on the final lap. Castroneves crossed the finish line first but was stripped of the victory, which was awarded to Scott Dixon, and Castroneves was sent back to in 10th place. Upon learning of his penalty Castroneves reacted with a profanity laden meltdown and had to be restrained by crew staff after he grabbed an IRL official by the collar and shook him with both hands
Castroneves issued a statement apologizing for his behavior but the damage had already been done and officials felt his actions warranted disciplinary action.
"IZOD IndyCar Series officials will meet with driver Helio Castroneves next week to further review his actions following the July 25 race in Edmonton," said a news release issued by the sanctioning body. "Any penalties will be announced after that meeting."
The decision to black flag Castroneves was heavily supported by Brian Barnhardt, the IRL’s president of competition and racing operations. Unlike in other major sports where physical contact with a referee or umpire results in immediate suspension, the IRL are in no rush deliberating what sort of punishment they will dole out on Castroneves.
The penalty is also sure to upset the relationship between Powers and Castroneves. This wasn’t the first time Castroneves lost a win due to his driving decisions. In 2008 at the Detroit Grand Prix Castroneves was ordered by officials to cede the race lead after blocking Justin Wilson. Castroneves complied then without the drama spectators witnessed Sunday although it’s understandable that winning the race only to later learn you actually placed 10th is frustrating.
The restart on the final lap occurred with four minutes left in the race. Castroneves blocked Powers when he tried to pass Castroneves on the outside going into the first turn. Castroneves had two opportunities to enter the pits after the black flag waved, but ignored the order. The checkered flag flashed for a second as Castroneves drove past the finish line and then again when Dixon crossed it to be declared the winner.
"Two laps to go?" he said to Versus reporter Robbie Floyd. "It's just ridiculous. I never moved my line. I actually gave him room outside. When you go side by side like that with your teammate and the guy [Barnhart] has just swept ... literally, literally just takes it away from you ... it's just absurd."
Castroneves was the first driver to receive a severe punishment for blocking a pass back in 2008 but it is no surprise since he is the most notorious blocker in the entire IndyCar series, though his offense on Power was tame compared to some of the cut-throat moves he has made in the past.
The incident has divided the IndyCar population; Power, Barnhardt, and several other drivers believe Castroneves was blocking his teammate while a recorded 90 percent of fans in a SpeedTV.com poll thought Castroneves was wrongly accused. Part of the ambiguity relates to the Edmonton track itself. The unique circuit does not have obvious inside and outside lines on the corners, whereas most tracks including the Edmonton airport runway have 30 lines.
Castroneves looked to be driving in the center of the track when Power approached on the left to pass on the outside. The two drivers were just about at the place in the track were they would naturally need to drift left in order to take the fastest lane on the 120-degree corner. When Castroneves sensed Power trying to pass he moved his car about a foot to the left- though he denies doing so – a move forcing Power to try and drive around him but by then Castroneves was able to squeeze him out as they exited the corner.
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