IndyCar: Helio Castroneves confirms 2021 return with Meyer Shank Racing

Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves is set to return to IndyCar in 2021 driving part-time for Meyer Shank Racing.

After three seasons away from full-time IndyCar competition that saw him compete in only seven races, all at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including three Indy 500s, three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves is set to return to the sport in 2021 as a part-time driver for Meyer Shank Racing.

While he won’t be back full-time, Castroneves’s role in 2021 will be bigger than it has been since his 18th and final season driving for Team Penske in 2017.

He is set to compete in six of the 17 races on the 2021 schedule behind the wheel of a second Honda-powered car for the team.

Here is what team owner Mike Shank had to say about the addition of Castroneves, according to a team release.

"“We’re really excited to have Helio come onboard with us next year. The idea to start off with six races for the second IndyCar was another strategic plan. As I’ve always said in the past, we will never bite off more than we can chew. It’s always been one of our goals to expand the IndyCar program, and this is the best way that we can start that. Of course the goal is to have two full-season cars.“Having a guy like Helio on the team will be a big asset for us. He’s a proven race winner and brings a ton of knowledge to the team. He’s someone that we will be able to learn from. This past season was definitely a tough one for us, but Jack (Harvey) proved that he has the pace to be running up front, and going into 2021 we certainly aiming to get back up on the podium.”"

Here is what Castroneves had to add.

"“I’m super excited to be joining Meyer Shank Racing for six IndyCar races next year. Mike (Shank) and I know each other from a long time ago and I raced with the team at Daytona. Now, with Jim (Meyer), Mike and Jack (Harvey), all three of us I feel like we have great potential. I can’t thank enough Team Penske for all of these years with them, but now it’s a new chapter in my life and I’m excited to join MSR and an incredible group of friends.”"

Castroneves is set to drive the #06 Honda in these six races and is set to compete alongside full-time driver Jack Harvey, who is set to return for a fourth season and second full season behind the wheel of the #60 Honda.

IndyCar: Helio Castroneves confirms 2021 return

By Asher Fair | Nov 11, 2020

Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves is set to return to IndyCar in 2021 driving part-time for Meyer Shank Racing.

The signing of Helio Castroneves marks another step toward Meyer Shank Racing becoming a two-car team for a full IndyCar season.