IndyCar Legend Helio Castroneves Named Honoree at The Amelia 2025
The Amelia, a concours weekend known for its racing roots and scenic setting at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in North Florida, has announced that Helio Castroneves is the event’s honoree for 2025, continuing a motorsports tradition that has become the event’s trademark.
Castroneves, of course, is a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. His wide-ranging resume ranges from a 2020 IMSA championship, with four victories and four pole positions for Acura Team Penske, to becoming the season five winner on the ABC television series Dancing with the Stars in 2007. Two years ago, he became the first driver to log three consecutive wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car race.
He was chosen as honoree for The Amelia in 2025 based on his dedication to excellence in racing as well as his unwavering competitive spirit that has made him one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history.
“Helio Castroneves changed the history of IndyCar and represents everything that automotive racing should be about,” said Matt Orendac, Hagerty vice-chairman, Concours Group. “No one is more passionate about racing than Helio Castroneves, and he’s sure to bring that enthusiasm from the track to the show field.” Hagerty owns and operates The Amelia.
Castroneves is originally from São Paolo, Brazil, and currently resides in Florida, making Amelia Island a frequent destination for him. He competed in his first Indianapolis 500 in 2001 with Team Penske, etching his name on the Borg-Warner trophy as he picked up his first Indianapolis 500 win that same year. With four decades of racing under his belt, he most recently won the Indy 500 in 2021 with Meyer Shank Racing, a team of which he is now a part owner.
“There’s clearly a synergy between people who love racing and those who love concours, and The Amelia is the intersection of both those passions, each of which I hold dearly,” said Castroneves. “To be honoree of the event during its 30th year is also an honor and so special, and I look forward to celebrating with The Amelia community.” Many of his race cars will be on display.
Last May, he told the Indianapolis Star that he plans to continue racing into his 50s—and when the 2025 Indianapolis 500 rolls around next May, he’ll be just that—50. ‘”(Racing at 50) was always my goal, but I don’t want to just ‘do it’,” he said. “I feel like we’re still very competitive, and not only just to win, but to make people go crazy here, and that’s what I want to do.’” Castroneves signed a multi-year sponsorship deal for the 500 this year with Cleveland-Cliffs, a steel company with more than 9000 employees.
So don’t be surprised if Castroneves goes for win number five at Indy next year—with four wins, he’s tied with A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser, Sr., for most victories there. As he said in an interview with Hagerty in 2023: “The fire, it still burns.”
And if he wins in his 25th start at the track, expect the crowd to do just what he said they’ll do—go crazy.
The Amelia will celebrate its 30th year in 2025. The Amelia weekend will feature seminars, films, celebrations, auctions, driving experiences, and of course, the renowned Concours d’Elegance, where guests will enjoy nearly 300 vehicles in 30 classes.
Featured classes include:
Corvettes at Sebring. Debuting three years earlier, the Corvette became a serious sports car in 1956, racing at Sebring and winning both the SCCA and Cal Club championships that year. Nearly 70 years later, hundreds of Corvettes have raced and many have won at Sebring, which plays host to the biggest names in racing and is part of the Triple Crown of endurance racing alongside the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Alfa Romeos of the 1930s. Alfa Romeo began the 1930s as it ended the 1920s: dominating Italy’s sports car and competition scene. In all, from 1894 to 1949, Alfa won more international races than any other marque, Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz included.
Formula 1 Cars 1950-Present. The FIA Formula 1 World Championship has been one of the world’s premier forms of racing since its inaugural running in 1950. F1 continues to attract the world’s best drivers and builders who create cars that push the technological envelope.
The Amelia takes place at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island from March 6-9, 2025. Since its inception in 1996, The Amelia has donated over $4 million to deserving non-profit and charitable organizations. Additional event and ticket information is available by visiting AmeliaConcours.com.