Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski Join Teammates in Congratulating Team Penske Great Helio Castroneves for Hall of Fame Induction

The Team Penske outfit has been around since 1965 in NASCAR, IndyCar, and Sports Cars. Throughout its history, it has fielded a number of well-known drivers. Recently, Helio Castroneves announced that he will join the Meyer Shank Racing team, thus ending a 21-year association with Team Penske.

In recognition of his services, the team inducted him into their Hall of Fame. For this, Penske president Tim Cindric personally dropped by to surprise the Brazilian with the honor. Even all of his teammates, across all three series, sent in messages of congratulations, including the likes of Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Blaney.

To really drive the point home, many other team associates joined in to congratulate and thank Castroneves for his loyal services. With this, Helio Castroneves joins the likes of Rick Mears, Mark Donohue, and Roger Penske himself in the Hall of Fame.

“What an incredible surprise,” said Castroneves. “I was hoping to visit the Team Penske shop in North Carolina to see everyone after the season, but we couldn’t do it with all of the COVID-19 restrictions. It was so great to connect with everyone virtually.”

A look back into the career of Team Penske star Helio Castroneves

Admittedly, the Brazilian’s recruitment into Penske came on the back of tragic circumstances. This seat was originally meant for Greg Moore, ahead of the 2000 season. Unfortunately, Moore suffered a fatal accident at the California Speedway at the end of 1999.

Despite the circumstances, the CART team did not regret its decision as he claimed six victories. In 2001, he moved to IndyCar on a part-time basis and has since claimed three Indianapolis 500 victories in 2001, 2002, and 2009. Sadly, he never quite got close to a championship, finishing as the runner-up on four occasions.

In 2018, he moved to the IMSA WeatherTech Series on a full-time basis, though he struggled initially. However, he soon found his feet as time progressed, and he gained more experience. All that paid off in 2020 when he and Ricky Taylor claimed the IMSA championship.

Throughout his Team Penske tenure, Helio Castroneves has amassed 34 wins, 60 pole positions, and 107 podiums. Obviously, the team is sad to see a driver of his caliber part ways. However, Austin Cindric insisted that he will always be welcome back to the team with open arms.