Indy 500 results: Helio Castroneves wins, Danica Patrick third

After a horror year off the track including allegations of tax evasion, Helio Castroneves won his third Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.

Castroneves started the race in pole position, but it took until the 185th lap until he clearly broke away from the field, winning in the end by 1.9819 seconds. Castroneves previously won the Indy 500 consecutively in 2001 and 2002.

“I think my tears speak for everything,” Castroneves said after the race. “I have to thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity. And I have to thank my team because they gave me my life back. And to the fans, you guys kept me strong. You are the best. I’m honored to have fans like you….Let’s celebrate now — yeah, baby!!!”

Model IndyCar driver and GoDaddy girl Danica Patrick never got close to leading, but used a strict fuel strategy to take out a tidy third, behind Dan Wheldon.

The race was also notable for the return of the Andretti curse. Mario Moraes drifted to the outside and made contact with Marco Andretti, sending both cars into the wall going into the second turn. Andretti didn’t return to the race until lap 61.