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Before they were famous - IndyCar edition

The internet is full of video gems, including these videos featuring IndyCar drivers MUCH earlier in their careers

Dan Wheldon

Dan Wheldon

Michael C. Johnson

Helio Castroneves, Penske Racing Chevrolet
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Media luncheon: Cristiano da Matta
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Cristiano da Matta
Helio Castroneves, Penske Racing Chevrolet
Winners photoshoot: Dan Wheldon, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb / Agajanian
Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Helio Castroneves, Penske Racing Chevrolet
Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Winners photoshoot: Dan Wheldon, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb / Agajanian poses with the Borg-Warner Trophy
Dan Wheldon, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb/Agajanian
Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Race winner Dan Wheldon, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb / Agajanian celebrates
Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves
Victory circle: race winner Dan Wheldon, Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb / Agajanian celebrates
Helio Castroneves, Team Penske Chevrolet
Helio Castroneves, Team Penske Chevrolet
Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet crashes

I have said it before, and I will say it again. The internet is full of hilarious videos, historical videos, and racing crash compilations coming out the waa-zoo.

While searching for an old tribute to Dan Wheldon, I ran upon a great little feature about Wheldon's days in Karts, and his decision to move on to the United States.

There is something refreshing about seeing our favorite racing drivers suit up early in their career. There is always a genuine love for the sport twinkling in their eye, even at that young age.

Unfortunately, we lost Wheldon at the season final of the 2011 season. But, as his love for racing was sown so deep, his son, Sebastian has already taken up post behind the wheel of a race vehicle. Maybe we are seeing the first interviews with tomorrow's Indy 500 winner?

 

 

 

Danica Patrick flew onto the IndyCar scene after cutting her teeth in karting and various lower formula series in the UK. Her jump to IndyCar brought a ton of attention to the sport. 

Now, firmly seated in the NASCAR ranks, looking back and seeing her drive (and almost cocky determination) is refreshing. She may take a lot of unwarranted flack for her performance (or even more unfairly) her gender, but there is no doubt her drive to win.

 

 

Lastly, but certianly not least, I went on a search for Helio Castroneves, before his big break in IndyCar. The Brazilian came up in a brilliant class of drivers, surrounded by the likes of Rubens Barrichello and Tony Kanaan, and while he saw a great amount of success in those early ranks, he was never and over-the-top standout...until he found the right team.

First is a video of Castroneves' best finish early in his Champ Car (now IndyCar) career. 1999 to be exact, his second year in the series. It is a rather long video, and it is narrated in another language (Portugese....I think), but it shows the fan favorite Brazillian wheeling a Hogan Racing Lola/Mercedes around Gateway chasing down Michael Andretti. Sure, there is no interview...or real way to connect with the younger Castroneves...but there is something to be said about finishing second to Andretti in a car that had no place on the podium. Keep in mind that year he was only able to finish 7 of the 20 races in that car. Enough said.

 

I will leave you all with this gem. The year was 1995, and it was a British Formula 3 race in the UK. This video is a simple highlights package from some sort of VHS tape from eyons ago...but there is something unique about it. Yes, Mr. Castroneves is present in the video...but is the other names being screamed out by the commentator that piques my interest. I won't ruin it all...but listen closely for names like Christian Horner, and Cristiano da Matta. Pretty neat stuff if you ask me!

 

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