(New Albany, Ind.) — Indiana University Southeast is proud to welcome legendary race car driver, Helio Castroneves, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Sanders Speaker Series at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9th in the Stem Concert Hall located in the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center. One of the most recognizable personalities in motorsports, Castroneves will share his inspiring journey of perseverance, determination, and success both on and off the racetrack.
Castroneves has driven and danced his way into the hearts and minds of people around the world. As the only active driver to have earned the distinction of being a four-time Indy 500 winner and the only race car driver ever to become a “Dancing with the Stars” Champion, Castroneves in many ways is in a league of his own.
Castroneves, who became the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500s in his first two starts at the Brickyard in 2001 and 2002 and won again in 2009 and 2021, is known for his signature victory celebration of climbing the fence after taking the checkered flag. His great attitude, signature smile and his outbursts of unbridled enthusiasm make him one of the true stars of motorsports. These attributes have helped land him on the pages of some of the top publications in the world including People, Newsweek, TV Guide, Esquire and Maxim.
In 2007, Castroneves brought his incredible passion for life to a much wider audience when he competed on ABC’s hit television show, “Dancing with the Stars.” The combination of his charismatic personality, dedicated training and his dancing skills won him the hearts of millions of new fans and the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. He has since parlayed his foray in the entertainment world into working as an occasional correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight.”
In May of 2010, Castroneves also released a popular book about his life and how he met its challenges titled “Victory Road – The Ride of My Life”. Due to its great success, the book was translated and was released in Brazil in November of 2011.
This event is free to attend, but a ticket will be required for entry. Limited tickets are available in the main and viewing areas.
Indiana University Southeast
Contact: Nancy Jo Trafton
812-941-2676
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