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Castroneves' Grand Prix Hopes Dimming Due To Trial

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 26, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG A week before the engines will roar to life in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the participation of one the event's biggest draws is in serious doubt.

Two-time Grand Prix and Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, the colorful champion of TV's "Dancing with the Stars," is in the fourth week of his high-profile Miami trial on tax-evasion charges.

The U.S. Government expects to wrap up its case Friday. Journalists covering the trial say that while it could end by late next week, it could also drag on past Easter (Apr. 12).

Penske Racing has lined up Will Power to replace Castroneves but could wait as long as next Friday night before committing to the Australian for the race, team president Tim Cindric said Thursday.

Cindric wouldn't discuss a case that's so complex and tedious that, according to ESPN.com, a couple of jurors nodded off during recent testimony. He did address his nine-year relationship with Castroneves as race strategist.

"He's obviously a fun guy to be around," Cindric said. "So it's difficult to see him going through what he's going through."

Castroneves is accused, with his sister, Katiucia, and attorney Alan Miller, of diverting a $5 million royalty payment from Penske and other income to a Dutch investment account with the intent of eventually moving out of the country and collecting it tax-free.

The native Brazilian and Coral Gables resident contends he is was ignorant of U.S. tax law and blindly trusted his mentors and business advisors to handle his affairs.

Roy Black, a frequent network legal analyst who gained acquittals for William Kennedy Smith and Rush Limbaugh, heads Castroneves' high-powered legal team. Bob Bennett, who was President Clinton's attorney during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, is Miller's lead counsel.

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