Helio Castroneves took the microphone at the Biltmore Hotel ballroom and said, joking, to hundreds of guests: “I used to be a driver that can dance, and now I’m a dancer that can drive.”
As he mingled with attendees at a Florida Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce function honoring his accomplishments, friends and strangers clamored for photographs and the opportunity to talk with the reigning “Dancing with the Stars” champion.
Life after the show ended in late November has been a whirlwind, ranging from appearances on “Oprah,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to serving as guest correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight.” Castroneves will race Saturday in the IndyCar Series for the first time since winning the show, in the Gainsco 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
He returns to the IndyCar circuit as the league’s most recognizable driver behind Danica Patrick.
Most of his time will be devoted to driving for Penske Racing until the fall, but Castroneves is trying to parlay his dancing fame into a celebrity with staying power.
Castroneves is hoping to star on a sitcom in the fall and also be a guest host on a popular morning television talk show.
“For my image, it’s been huge,” Castroneves said of winning the “Dancing with the Stars” competition.
The 32-year-old Brazilian regularly got exposure to a television audience of more than 20 million on the show, giving him a platform to reach the average American. Castroneves is more famous for winning the hit show than for capturing the Indianapolis 500 twice.
Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner and a contestant on the show last season, said he talked to Castroneves about what to expect in the wake of hoisting the Mirror Ball Trophy.
“We had the conversation about what kind of changes his life would take now that everyone would recognize him. I don’t think he really believed me,” Cuban wrote in an e-mail message.
Castroneves said he is recognized in restaurants, airports, shopping malls and even while paying Miami tolls on the Florida Turnpike.
“We reached new fans that all of a sudden, they know how even to say my name!” Castroneves said. “People used to sometimes say ‘Castronova,’ ‘Cassanova.’ A lot of people even say ‘Helio,’ and for those who don’t know how to say my name, they’re like, ‘Hey, that’s the race car driver that can dance.'”
Castroneves is one of the most successful IndyCar drivers. He has 12 victories, tying him for second with Tony Kanaan. Dan Wheldon has a league-leading 13 victories.
Castroneves’ on-track performance, coupled with his bubbly and outgoing personality, has helped him win over non-racing fans.
“In the past, he’s always tried to figure out how can he become mainstream because he has a personality that is addictive,” Penske President Tim Cindric said. “Now he has a connection as a winner on and off the track — and when he does win, and people see his name go across the ‘SportsCenter’ ticker, they will know him.
“Before, it was just another driver who won a race. It gives the IRL a celebrity who’s a winner, which is something they haven’t had.”
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The Indy Racing League’s other star, Patrick, has a mass following and is marketable — she appeared in Sports Illustrated’s recent swimsuit issue — but she is winless in three seasons and is not as charismatic as Castroneves.
Since becoming the dancing king, Castroneves has developed crossover appeal, and he hopes to use it to help IndyCar grow.
“I think the IRL has been handed the golden ticket, a chance to regain fans,” said Castroneves’ agent, Stephen Panus.
But Castroneves concedes that he might continue receiving more recognition for his dancing exploits.
“I don’t mind,” Castroneves said. “It’s a part of my life now. People sometimes feel upset: ‘Oh, we’re talking about dancing — I’m sure you’re upset about it.’ I’m like, ‘No, when you talk about something that’s fun, it’s not upsetting.'”