Miami, FL (My Sportsbook) - Indy car driver and "Dancing With The Stars" winner Helio Castroneves has been found not guilty of six charges of tax evasion on Friday. Castroneves' sister, Katiucia, who also serves as his business manager, was acquitted of six tax evasion charges as well.
The 12-member jury, however, remained hung on the one count of conspiracy against both defendants.
Castroneves' sports attorney, Alan Miller, was found not guilty on all three tax evasion counts and one conspiracy charge.
"I just want to thank God, and my fans and all of the people who prayed for me," Castroneves said outside the U.S. Federal Court in Miami after the verdict was read. "It has been a very difficult place to be in. It's been a nightmare, and finally we woke up."
Castroneves, 33, left Friday night for Long Beach, CA, where he will attend this weekend's IndyCar race.
"Instead of going to Disneyland, I want to go to Long Beach and race," he said. "I'm going back to racing."
Castroneves will be back in his No.3 ride for Penske Racing in Saturday's practice sessions and qualifying at Long Beach. Australian Will Power had been substituting for Castroneves during his six-week long trial.
"On behalf of Roger and our entire organization, we're ecstatic with the outcome," Tim Cindric, the president of Penske Racing, said in a news conference. "It's been a very, very difficult time for all of us. Obviously in particular he and his family. So we're very, very excited to know that he can go on with his life, business as usual. And as hard as that is to say about Helio, in particular."
Penske will field a third entry for Power at Long Beach and next month's Indianapolis 500. Power finished sixth in his debut for the team two weeks ago at St. Petersburg, FL.
Castroneves, meanwhile, has not been in a race car since last October.
"Penske Racing is very happy for Helio Castroneves and his family, following today's verdict," team owner Roger Penske said in a statement. "The team has supported Helio throughout this process and will continue to as the matter goes forward. Penske Racing is pleased and excited to have Helio in the No.3 Team Penske car at this weekend's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach."
Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League, said Castroneves will be allowed to participate in the morning practice sessions.
The jury on Thursday reached a unanimous decision on two counts against Castroneves, but was deadlocked on five other charges against him. The panel also reached a verdict on one charge against Katiucia Castroneves, 35, but was deadlocked on six other counts. A verdict on all four charges against Miller, 71, had been reached.
Federal Judge Donald Graham said he would not read any of the verdicts until the jury had reached a decision on all counts against Castroneves, his sister and attorney. Graham also ordered the panel to continue deliberating on the other counts. Jury deliberations began one week ago.
Castroneves' attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial Tuesday, but Graham denied the request.
Castroneves was accused of failing to report $5.5 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service from 1999 to 2004. The IRS claimed he owned $2.3 million in back taxes.
The Brazilian driver won the Indianapolis 500 in 2001 and '02, and finished second to Scott Dixon in this year's IndyCar points championship. Castroneves elevated his celebrity status in 2007 when he and partner Julianne Hough won "Dancing With The Stars," the hit reality competition show on ABC.
