MIAMI (AP) -- A federal judge in Miami has rejected requests to
delay the tax evasion trial of race car driver Helio Castroneves
(EHL'-ee-oh kas-troh-NEH'-vehz).
U.S. District Judge Donald Graham on Friday said the March 2
trial date will stand. Lawyers for Castroneves and Penske Racing
Inc. had sought a delay until November to ensure he could drive in
the 2009 IndyCar Series that runs April to October.
Castroneves is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner who also won
TV's "Dancing With The Stars" competition in 2007. He's pleaded
not guilty to charges of conspiracy and tax evasion involving about
$5.5 million in income stashed in offshore accounts.
His sister and business manager, along with his attorney, also
are charged in the case.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)