The Amelia just lately introduced Brazilian race automobile driver Hélio Castroneves because the honoree for 2025, persevering with the occasion’s longstanding custom as “the racer’s concours.” Castroneves’ wide-ranging racing and competitors expertise contains:
2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021 Indianapolis 500 wins
2020 IMSA championship with 4 victories and 4 pole positions with Acura Staff Penske
Minority accomplice and co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing
Season 5 winner of ABC tv collection Dancing with the Stars in 2007
He was chosen as honoree for The Amelia in 2025 primarily based on his dedication to excellence in racing in addition to his unwavering aggressive spirit that has made him probably the most profitable drivers in IndyCar historical past.
“Hélio Castroneves modified the historical past of IndyCar and represents the whole lot that automotive racing ought to be about,” stated Hagerty Vice Chairman, Concours Group, Matt Orendac. “Nobody is extra obsessed with racing than Hélio Castroneves, and he’s certain to deliver that enthusiasm from the monitor to the showfield. The Amelia celebrates its thirtieth yr in 2025 and is rising into a brand new period, whereas nonetheless retaining its roots because the racer’s concours. It’s in that spirit of youth-meeting-heritage that we announce Mr. Castroneves as our subsequent honoree for 2025.”
Castroneves is initially from São Paolo, Brazil, and at the moment resides in Florida, making Amelia Island a frequent native vacation spot for him. He started racing when he was solely 12 years outdated and has since then change into a real legend on the earth of motorsport. He competed in his first Indianapolis 500 in 2001 with Staff Penske, etching his identify on the Borg-Warner trophy as he picked up his first Indianapolis 500 win that very same yr. With 4 many years of racing underneath his belt, he most just lately gained the Indy 500 in 2021 with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), making him solely the fourth particular person ever to win the race 4 occasions.
Along with IndyCar, Castroneves has additionally seen nice success in sports activities automobile racing, with Hélio and teammate Ricky Taylor successful the IMSA championship in 2020 with 4 victories and 4 pole positions for Acura Staff Penske. In August 2023, he shifted gears into possession as minority accomplice and co-owner of MSR, lending his many years of experience to the crew.
Reflecting his urge for food for competitors in all elements of life, Castroneves was named champion on the dance flooring because the season 5 winner of the favored ABC tv collection Dancing with the Stars in 2007.
“There’s clearly a synergy between individuals who love racing and those that love concours, and The Amelia is the intersection of each these passions, every of which I maintain dearly,” stated Castroneves. “To be honoree of the occasion throughout its thirtieth yr can also be an honor and so particular, and I stay up for celebrating with The Amelia group.”
The Amelia will have a good time its thirtieth yr in 2025. Constructed on a historic legacy of excellence, The Amelia 2025 weekend will characteristic seminars, movies, celebrations, auctions, driving experiences and, after all, the famend Concours d’Class, the place visitors will take pleasure in lots of of autos starting from Thirties Alfa Romeos to essentially the most superior F1 race vehicles.
The Concours d’Class will characteristic almost 300 vehicles in 30 courses. Featured courses embrace:
Corvette at Sebring: The Corvette turned a severe sports activities automobile in 1956, debuting at Sebring and successful each the SCCA and Cal Membership championships that yr. Practically 70 years later, lots of of Corvettes have raced and scored victories at Sebring, which performs host to the largest names in racing and is a part of the Triple Crown of endurance racing alongside the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of LeMans.
Alfa Romeos of the Thirties: Alfa Romeo started the Thirties because it ended the Twenties, dominating Italy’s sports activities automobile and competitors scene. In all, from 1894 to 1949, Alfa gained extra worldwide races than every other marque, Bugatti, and Mercedes-Benz included.
Formulation 1 Vehicles 1950-Current: The FIA Formulation One World Championship has been one of many world’s premier types of racing since its inaugural working in 1950. F1 continues to draw the world’s finest drivers and builders who create vehicles that push the technological envelope.
The Amelia takes place at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island from March 6-9, 2025. Further occasion and ticket data is accessible by visiting AmeliaConcours.com
