Castroneves To Be Featured On ABC's Hit Show 'Dancing With The Stars'

[PressRoom-GFN]

Los Angeles (Aug. 29, 2007) - Two-time Indianapolis 500 Winner Helio Castroneves may not have much of an off-season this year, as it was announced Wednesday the Miami resident will join the cast of ABC-TV's hit show “Dancing with the Stars” for its fifth season this fall.

The 32-year-old Brazilian will be paired with the winner from the fourth season, Julianne Hough, as the couple prepares to prove to the world that Castroneves doesn’t just have moves on the race track, but on the dance floor as well.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Castroneves said. “It’s definitely something that I never would have imagined participating in. However, now that I know that I’m going to be part of the competition, I’ve set my sights on winning. I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but with our IndyCar Series season coming to a close, I’m going to dedicate the same energy that I bring to racing to rehearsing for the show. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’ve been told that Julianne is one of the best teachers out there, and I’m ready to get to work. Having won back-to-back Indianapolis 500s, I would like nothing more than to give Julianne back-to-back ‘Dancing with the Stars’ titles.”

Following in the footsteps of other professional athletes, including Apolo Anton Ohno, Emmitt Smith, Clyde Drexler, Jerry Rice, Evander Holyfield and Laila Ali, Castroneves will be the latest from the sports world to try his hand in the competition. Castroneves will be joined by 11 other celebrities when the show premieres on Sept. 24. Other participants include Mark Cuban, Jane Seymour, Wayne Newton, Floyd Mayweather, Marie Osmond, Jennie Garth, Melanie Brown, Sabrina Bryan, Albert Reed, Cameron Mathison and Josie Maran.

Castroneves competes in the Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series. Throughout his open-wheel career, Castroneves has captured 29 poles, finished in the top-three 45 times, led 3,360 laps and brought home 18 victories, including the 2001 and 2002 Indianapolis 500s.

“We couldn’t be happier for Helio, who heads the list as one of racing’s most exuberant personalities on and off the track,” said Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League’s commercial division. “Helio’s participation in ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will give him the opportunity to showcase his trademark charm and passion to a huge audience. This is fantastic for the Indy Racing League and Helio.”

The fifth season of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres Sept. 24, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT, on ABC-TV. “Dancing with the Stars” is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced in America by BBC Productions. Conrad Green is executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.
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