After five years competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, Meyer Shank Racing finally scored its first victory on Sunday, and it came on the sport’s biggest stage.
When it became known that Helio Castroneves was free from his long-running contract with Team Penske, team owners Jim Meyer and Mike Shank jumped on the opportunity.
They signed the 46-year-old to a part-time contract for 2021, and then went on to give the Brazilian his fourth Indianapolis 500 victory in his 21st appearance.
Even though he had just finished matching the feat of other four-time Indy 500 winners AJ Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears, questions quickly arose about Castroneves attempting to win a fifth.
Amid the jubilation of the post-race celebrations, team founder Mike Shank let it be known in the media sessions that he was going to actively pursue a longer relationship with the veteran.
“I think it would be really cool for him to get a fifth and us to be a part of that,” said Shank. “And I think he’s amenable to that.
“I believe Helio deserves to go for a fifth Indianapolis win. We’re going to do everything we can to make that happen for him.”
If Castroneves were to win for a fifth time, he would stand alone in a feat that has not yet been accomplished in the race’s 105-year history.
For now, Meyer Shank Racing only has a contract with Castroneves for five more races this season, including the final three races on the west coast.
Jim Meyer hinted at the possibility that there would be a possibility of expanding that contract to include more races, but admitted it’s not as simple as bringing a second car to the track.
“We carefully planned the six races we’ve laid out to do with Helio [this season],” said Meyer in the post-race interviews. “Obviously life has changed today.
“Mike [Shank] and I will go back and talk about it. There’s some other complications to it that aren’t all 100% in our hands.
“We’ll go back and talk bit, see where we are. We’re just going to savor the moment right now.”
