IZOD IndyCar Series Stars Head Down Under For Race

Australia, October 20, 2010: Helio Castroneves has one goal in his guest appearance at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 - finish as the top IZOD IndyCar Series driver.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner is one of the six IZOD IndyCar Series stars in serving as an International co-driver in the Surfers Paradise V8 Supercars race and he is keen to be the best of the bunch.

"When you have 18 guys, I'm sure they'll all want to be the best - I do too," he told Speedcafe.com.au in advance of the race. "For me, I'm looking out more for the IndyCar drivers. There's six of us in total here, and that's what I'm looking at - trying to at least be better than those guys.

"They should have a trophy for the best of the IndyCar drivers!"

The other IZOD IndyCar Series drivers that Castroneves is aiming to beat are three-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti (Jim Beam Racing), Ryan Briscoe (Toll Holden Racing Team), Alex Tagliani (Kelly Racing), Scott Dixon (Jack Daniels Racing) and Will Power (Ford Performance Racing).

Castroneves' two Team Penske teammates will draw much of the attention this weekend as they race in their home country. For Briscoe, it's a chance to defend his 2008 IndyCar win. For Power it's another chance to gain redemption at a track where he has won poles, but never finished on the podium.

Franchitti, who claimed his third series title at Homestead-Miami Speedway earlier this month, is looking forward to competing in the event.

"The Gold Coast event is one of the most special in world motorsports and to have the chance to go back down there and race - in no less than a V8 Supercar - is going to be something pretty special," he said.