Castroneves indictment update

Helio Castroneves appeared in a Miami courtroom Friday afternoon to answer to the charges of conspiracy and tax evasion levied on the 2-time Indy 500 winner , his sister and attorney Alan Miller yesterday. An emotional Castroneves, who according to eyewitnesses was shackled and handcuffed as he was led into the courtroom, plead not guilty to the charges, and was released on $10 million dollars bail.

"I'm a race car driver," said Castroneves to reporters following the hearing. "This is a very difficult situation. I'll be strong and I'll win this race. It's been a long day. It's been an emotional day, obviously, I am not guilty."

The other two defendants named in the indictment, Katiucia Castroneves, the Helio's sister and business manager, and attorney Alan R. Miller, did not enter pleas Friday but were released on bail of $2 million and $250,000, respectively.

According to his attorney Mark Seiden, Castroneves will be allowed to travel in the U.S. for work, which includes participating in this weekends' Petit Le Mans competition, but he cannot leave the country. The latter will result in Team Penske either running only one car or seeking out a replacement driver for the #3 car for this months Nikon Indy 300 in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

OpenWheelWorld.net will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they become available.

Source: Associated Press