By Dave Lewandowski
indy500.com
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George, who had a front-row seat for two nights of drama that culminated in Helio Castroneves' "Dancing with the Stars" championship, said the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner's performances also had a powerful and surprising effect on him as a TV viewer.
"I don't have two left feet, I have two club feet," George said. "But as my wife and I were sitting at home watching 'Dancing with the Stars,' there were some Arthur Murray (dance studio) commercials and it inspired me to say, 'Maybe I should go take some dancing lessons with my wife.' "
Castroneves' engaging personality – along with ballroom footwork improvements – displayed during the 10-week run on the top-rated ABC show won over viewers/voters and the panel of judges. His smile after completing the final dance number Nov. 27 (the Quickstep) was brighter than the yellow zoot suit he wore. And with tear-filled eyes he clutched the mirror ball trophy almost as tightly as one of his Baby Borgs.
It was that emanation of unscripted enthusiasm and real-guy persona that resonated with viewers (24.9 million for the final show) and audience members, including George. Add in the 12 weeks of rehearsals for the only non-entertainer in the final eight couples coming on the heels of the long and highly-competitive IndyCar Series season, and Castroneves deserves to put his aching feet up for a few days.
"One of the attributes that all our race drivers have is they are fully committed to what they do," said Brian Barnhart, president of the competition and operations divisions of the sanctioning Indy Racing League. "That doesn't apply only to racing. Outside the race car, Helio decided to do the 'Dancing with the Stars' program and he didn't do it half way. He was fully committed by moving out to LA and staying in a hotel.
"His commitment level, work ethic and just the amount of effort he put into training and rehearsing eight to 10 hours a day, he made a tremendous commitment. Even saying that, I don't think he envisioned making it to the finals. For him to be on the program every week and stay out there for 2½ months has been fantastic. We couldn't be more proud of him."
Sentiments were echoed by Penske Performance Inc. President Tim Cindric, who joined a group of Mooresville, N.C.-based team personnel in sending greetings to Castroneves during his appearance on "Good Morning America" on Nov. 28.
"We couldn't be prouder of him," said Cindric, proudly wearing the "Vote Helio" T-shirt supplied by the IndyCar Series. "We didn't know if he would make it past the first round. We can't believe it. It's a shame they didn't have a fence for him to climb."
Castroneves' dance partner, Julianne Hough, said the race car driver remained faithful to his promise to learn all he could from the professional dancer. Other celebrity competitors noticed.
"He's got the ability and he worked it for the votes," Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban said. "He's a great dancer and he' everyone's best friend. You can' help but like him."
Added actor Cameron Mathison: "I was not surprised to see Helio and Julianne bring it home. He's been working so hard and is an easy guy to root for."
Castroneves and Hough were whisked from the show's wrap party to fly to New York for a round of media appearances and interviews before heading to Florida to appear in Walt Disney World's Christmas Parade. Additional TV, radio and print interviews, including Sports Illustrated, wait before the pace slows.
"This is something that will stay with him for the rest of his life," George said. "Even when he's done driving, he'll be able to dance."
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