MIAMI - A U.S. federal judge in Miami has rejected requests to delay the tax evasion trial of IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves.
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.
Lawyers for team owner Roger Penske had indicated that if the trial date was not changed, then Castroneves would likely have to be replaced for fear that he would not be able to fulfill his contractual obligations to the team. Attorney's for the Brazilian said it would be "catastrophic" to his career if Castroneves were to lose his job.
Castroneves has 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, are also charged in the case.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s beginning to look more and more difficult to “dance” your way out of this one, Helio.
