Castroneves plans to stay put

Formalities are all that stand in the way of a contract renewal for Helio Castroneves to stay with Penske Racing and the IRL IndyCar Series, according to the two-time Indy 500 winner and team President Tim Cindric.

Castroneves was thought to be considering NASCAR, just as former teammate Sam Hornish Jr. and 2007 IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti did in deciding to drive in Sprint Cup this year. But Castroneves noted Franchitti lost his NASCAR ride last week from a lack of sponsorship.

"I don't think the opportunity right now of going to NASCAR is the best one," Castroneves said. "Right now, I'm looking to be in Team Penske for quite a long time."

And why not? The Brazilian has scored six consecutive top-10 points finishes with Team Penske, with a highest of second. That he has not won the IndyCar championship is another motive to stay: unfinished ...