As soon as Jimmie Johnson heard the news of Friday's acquittal, on tax charges, of IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves, the Brazilian's sister and business ma🎀nager Katuicia and Michigan motorsports attorney Alan Miller, he and crew chi𒈔ef Chad Knaus tried to call the 71-year old, who has also served as Johnson's adviser for 13 years.

"Chad and I left him a voicemail when we caught wind of it, and then I had a text mess⛦age from him on my phone, and I responded back "Hell, yes!'," Johnson said after Friday's second Cup practice at Phoenix International Raceway.

Johnson appeared as a character witness on Miller's behalf at the Miam♔i trial. After six days of deliberation, the jury acquitted Miller of tax evasion and conspiracy. Castroneves and his sister were found not guilty on six tax evasion counts, but each got a hung jury on a 🎉single conspiracy count.

Jܫohnson was elated that his fa🐼ith in Miller had been vindicated.

"I'm just happy for everybody involved," said the three-time defending Cup champion, "I know it's been extremely tough on 🐭all of them, and I know more about Alan and what Alan and his family have been experiencing. Hopefully, he'll take a nice long vacation and let that stress find its way out of his body, ඣbecause it's been very, very difficult on all of them."

Castroneves, meanwhile, flew direct from Miami to California for this weekend's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and qualified eighth fastest des𒐪pite having no testing at all this season other than Saturday's pract🍒ice sessions at the event.

by Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service