Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d declare my favorite part of the opening ceremony for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics to be the poet. Yep. The poet. I love this guy!
We Are More by Shane Koyczan:
“Entertainment Tonight” has a cute interview up with Helio Castroneves and his girlfriend. The interview begins with Helio making some very touching comments about his parents.
Speaking of cute, the personification of the word, Shawn Johnson, was also at the race track this past weekend. She attended the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 race and got to ride in one of cars with Kyle Petty.
After a terrible year, Helio Castroneves had a great weekend. On Friday (May 22nd), federal prosecutors dropped the one remaining tax evasion charge against him. He’d been acquitted of all the other charges back in April.
Then, on Sunday, Castroneves became the 9th driver to win a third Indianapolis 500. “This is incredible…the best month of May ever,” said Castroneves. Danica Patrick had her best finish at Indy coming in 3rd.
Below is Helio’s tearful post-race interview with ESPN:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b125623_castroneves_caps_off_good_week_with.html
http://www.accesshollywood.com/us-drops-tax-evasion-charges-against-helio-castroneves_article_18331
The jury in Indy 500 and “Dancing with the Stars” champion Helio Castroneves’ trial on tax evasion charges acquitted him on six counts and hung on a seventh today in Miami. The jury also acquitted Helio’s sister, Katiucia, and his attorney Alan Miller.
Castroneves told People magazine, “I am speechless and so thankful to my fans who have stood by me and kept me strong. I thank the judge and jury for giving me a fair trial in a foreign country. I am about to board a plane to race in the Long Beach, Calif., Grand Prix Sunday! I am so excited!” He added, “I am born to drive a race car and will stay with Penske. I can’t wait to get back in the car and move forward!”
Castroneves was temporarily replaced on the Team Penske racing team pending the outcome of the trial.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2009-04-17-castroneves_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
As a follow up to our story here: http://www.popculturekitty.com/?p=472
Helio Castroneves’ trial in federal court on tax evasion charges will begin on March 2nd. His sister, Katiucia Castroneves and attorney, Alan Miller, will also be going to trial for similar charges. Helio is currently free on a $10 million bond and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b67991_dwts_h233lio_tap-dancing_trial_next.html
There was some good news for former “Dancing with the Stars” champ Helio Castroneves this weekend. He won the Petit Le Mans race in Atlanta on Saturday. He shares the victory with his Penske teammate, Ryan Briscoe, with whom Helio split the 1000 mile race. About the race and his indictment on tax evasion charges, Helio told the Associated Press, “It has been a difficult two days, but to finish first, it turned out to be a good day. It was a great day, and we’re going to continue to move forward.”
Meanwhile it’s still looking bad for Misty May-Treanor’s future on DWTS although ABC’s official statement isn’t quite as dire as Access Hollywood’s original report. Access still says that their source is confirming that Misty is done and will need surgery but ABC released the following:
“Misty May-Treanor sustained an injury on Friday and received immediate medical attention. Despite previous reports, she did not break her ankle. She is resting comfortably at home. Doctors will reevaluate her condition on Monday and determine the outcome of her participation on the show.”
I’d like to think the injury was initially blown out of proportion but I’m not hopeful. I don’t doubt that Misty will be seeing a doctor on Monday, but I think ABC may just be trying to keep us in suspense. I guess we’ll have to wait until Monday night to hear the definitive announcement from Tom Bergeron.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieLmJckldmOojQ_WjUnN7YQtCAZAD93K5K100
Oh, Helio. The adorable Indy and “Dancing with the Stars” champion, Helio Castroneves, was indicted on tax evasion charges on Thursday and pled not guilty this afternoon. His sister Katiucia Castroneves, who serves as his business manager, and attorney Alan R. Miller were indicted as well. Miller also works with drivers Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer and Casey Mears according to “Sports Illustrated”.
Helio is accused of using offshore accounts to evade taxes on more than $5 million in income. He faces conspiracy and six counts of tax evasion which carry a maximum 5 year sentence each. He was released on $10 million bail and is expected to compete in the Petit Le Mans in Atlanta on Saturday.
Below is coverage from a local Indianapolis station (WTHR) as well as links to a Sports Illustrated article and coverage from Miami’s Local 10.
http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=9119060
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bruce_martin/10/03/helio/?eref=sircrc
Entertainment Tonight couldn’t wait to get this up on their website – undoubtedly for the same reason I’m doing it. 
It’s a nice gesture and a great excuse for some eye candy!
Michael Phelps’ “Sports Illustrated” cover and the Mark Spitz picture that inspired it:
The New York Daily News is reporting that the FBI has questioned country singer Mindy McCready about her relationship with Rogers Clemens. The thinking seems to be that, if she really did have a 15 year relationship with Clemens, than she might know something about the whole performance-enhancing drugs mess. AND, McCready is doing a documentary about her life and the producer says she discusses Clemens. Looks like things may get even uglier than they already are.