MIAMI (AP) - Court documents show two-time Indy 500 winner Helio
Castroneves' attorneys and employer asked a judge to delay his
March trial on tax evasion charges until next November so he can
continue racing.
Penske Racing Inc. said if the trial is held between March and
October, it will have to change drivers now. That's to avoid the
risk that Castroneves will be unavailable for the 2009 IndyCar
series, which runs from April to October.
Castroneves' lawyer says "a presumed innocent defendant should
not face the prospect of losing his career based solely on the
return of an indictment."
The U.S. Attorney's office said it would respond to the motion
in court.
Castroneves is charged with conspiracy and tax evasion. He's
accused of dodging U.S. taxes on about $5.5 million in income using
offshore accounts. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $10
million bail.