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BRASELTON, Ga. -- Helio Castroneves was back behind the wheel Saturday, a day after the two-time Indy 500 winner pleaded not guilty on tax evasion charges.
Out on $10 million bail after he was indicted on charges of conspiracy and six counts of tax evasion for purportedly failing to report to the IRS about $5.5 million in income between 1999 and 2004, the "Dancing with the Stars" champion was in suburban Atlanta for the American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
Not only was he back on track, but he was back in the winner's circle, as well.
Castroneves and teammate Ryan Briscoe outpaced the rest of the cars to finish first in the Le Mans Prototype 2 Class.
"It has been a difficult two days, but to finish first, it turned out to be a good day," Castroneves said. "It was a great day, and we're going to continue to move forward."
Terms of Castroneves' release allowed him race at Petit Le Mans, and other races in the United States but not abroad, meaning he will likely miss a race later this month in Australia, said his attorney, Mark Seiden.
"Having Helio here today was important, especially in the situation he's in," team owner Roger Penske said. "He was focused all day, and that's what's important to us."
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