Helio looking to rebound at IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is hoping for big things this May. Last year was a struggle for Castroneves as he finished 17th, which was his worst finish at the Indy 500 since 2006. He has already tasted victory this year, winning in March at St. Petersburg.

Castroneves, under the ownership of Roger Penske, and his teammates Will Power and Ryan Briscoe are the top Chevrolet engine team and are looking to bounce back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where they’ve seen record-breaking success.

Although the past few years for Team Penske have been unusually bad at IMS, Castroneves told 24 Hour News 8’s Chris Widlic that he has confidence in his Chevy engine.

"I know Chevy is doing pretty good this year. It is natural for the competition to get better,” said Castroneves. “I believe Chevy will come back very soon, no problem on that.”

Penske cars ran 99 laps on opening day of practice in the DW12 car, but Castroneves says it is all part of the Penske plan.

“We are still in the program of not running too much because we still have to save some tires towards the Thursday, Friday, and special (qualifying) Saturday,” said Castroneves. “We want to make sure what we are doing is in the right direction, so it is just checking.”

Practice ends today at 6 p.m. Watch Sportslocker Sunday tonight at 11p.m. IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will be live in studio.