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Trial Delay Sought So Castroneves Can Race

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Nov 13, 2008 11:05 pm US/Eastern

Trial Delay Sought So Castroneves Can Race

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Race car driver Helio Castroneves' tax evasion trial could be delayed until next November if a federal judge agrees with his attorneys and employer. The lawyers and Penske Racing asked a judge to delay his March trial until next November so he can continue racing, according to court documents filed Thursday.

Penske Racing, Inc. said if the trial is held between March and October, it will have to change drivers now to avoid the risk that Castroneves will be unavailable for the 2009 IndyCar series, which runs from April to October.

Penske attorneys said Castroneves is under contract with them for 2009 and must be available exclusively for all races.

Castroneves' lawyer said it would be "catastrophic" for him to lose his job and that "a presumed innocent defendant should not face the prospect of losing his career based solely on the return of an indictment," according to court documents. Additionally, one of Castroneves' attorneys had a scheduling conflict in an unrelated case.

The U.S. Attorney's office said it would respond to the motion in court.

Castroneves, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner who also won the 2007 TV "Dancing with the Stars" competition, is charged with conspiracy and tax evasion. He's accused of dodging U.S. taxes on about $5.5 million in income using offshore accounts. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $10 million bail.

His sister and business manager, Katiucia, and attorney, Alan R. Miller, were also indicted. Both have pleaded not guilty.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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