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Brazilian Helio Castroneves made his open-wheel debut with Bettenhausen Racing in 1998 after competing alongside team mate Tony Kanaan with Tasman Racing in Indy Lights. In 1999 Castroneves moved to Hogan Racing then joined Penske Racing for the 2000 season, filling the seat that had been reserved for the late Greg Moore. Immediately finding success with Penske, Castroneves won three races and was the first recipient of the Greg Moore Legacy Award.

Castroneves took his first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2001 as a rookie, and followed it up with another victory in 2002's controversial running of the famous race, making him only the fifth driver to win back-to-back 500’s. Castroneves finished second in the IRL championship in his first full season in 2002. He has claimed 12 victories in the IndyCar Series and will rejoin Penske for the 2008 season alongside new team mate Ryan Briscoe.