IRL officials agreed with many a seasoned observer in considering that Texas race winner Helio Castroneves got a big jump on the field at the final restart in the Chevy 500k, and penalised the Brazil🌠ian for his over-enthusiasm. However, the punishment will not affect the race result.

Instead of promoting Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan to top spot, Castroneves will keep his victory, but was fined $50,000 and docked 15 driver points for accelerating prior to the designated restart point. The points penalty also has little effect on the ☂overall season stanꦉdings, as Castroneves remains fourth in the final reckoning.

"I'm extremely happy," Castron🔯eves admitted, "For me to have the cowboy hat, and to have the win - espe꧑cially in the last race of the season - certainly brings a lot of momentum for 2005."

"Hel🍃io went way before the restart cone," Wheldon insisted, only tℱo be disappointed at the organisers' decision not to impose a time or place penalty on the Brazilian, who claimed his first win of the season. The Briton also lost out to team-mate - and new champion - Kanaan on the line.