It's Official

Posted by Iannucci | 8/29/2007 | 9 comments »
Bookmark and Share

I guess I have to watch this silly show now.


Two-time Indianapolis 500 Winner Helio Castroneves may not have much of an "off-season" this year, as it was announced today that the Miami resident will be joining the cast of ABC Television Network'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 racetrack, but on the dance floor as well.

"I'm really excited for this opportunity," said Castroneves. "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 500's, I would like nothing more than to give Julianne back to back ‘Dancing with the Stars' titles."
So does he climb his dance partner if he wins? Just askin'.

Seriously though, as Curt Cavin notes the amount of people that watch this show is about 10 times the average viewership for a typical IndyCar race. WOW! He adds:

"If this collection of dancers is compelling enough for people to watch, this could be one of the biggest things to happen to the IRL. It's big-time mainstream, and they've absolutely got the right driver for the part."

UPDATE: Thanks to the commentor who linked the video for the announcement. However, what's wrong with this picture? Is that prankster Kanaan running production for "Good Morning America" these days?

9 comments

  1. Anonymous // August 29, 2007 9:18 AM  

    So does he climb his dance partner if he wins?

    Now that's funny, I don't care who you are that's funny !

    You even have the picture right

  2. Anonymous // August 29, 2007 9:59 AM  

    That was so wrong when they had Dario's picture instead of Helio when they announced him as one of the celebrities on Good Morning America.

    Here is the link to the announcement if anyone missed it.

    http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3536924

  3. Carrie // August 29, 2007 11:13 AM  

    I'm surprised they didn't put a picture of Danica up there. Seems to be the only driver "they" are aware of these days.

  4. pressdog // August 29, 2007 11:17 AM  

    I bet they TRIED to get Danica, but couldn't afford her, so they settled for Helio.

  5. Anonymous // August 29, 2007 11:57 AM  

    You would that they would notice that the guy in the picture and the guy in the video do not look alike.... Once again, I am losing faith in humanity....

  6. Anonymous // August 29, 2007 11:58 AM  

    *think

  7. Anonymous // August 29, 2007 2:21 PM  

    I'm suprised its not Wheldon, I see this as something right up his alley...

  8. Unknown // August 29, 2007 2:31 PM  

    I just watched the video and its Helio in both places. Did they fix it, are are we getting joshed here?

    Anyway, I guess I'll have to watch the show with the wife now, but I'm still going to make fun of it! :-)

  9. Unknown // August 29, 2007 7:26 PM  

    I really hope they have a line dancing showcase where Helio can show off his country skills....