Fittipaldi turned Castroneves into Feds

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. This Car and Driver article indicates that the documentary evidence in the civil cases between Fittipaldi and Castroneves was the basis of the IRS investigation against Castroneves now. What will really tick off Emmo is that he may not be eligible for the whistleblower's fee. If it was deemed that Helio was in compliance with reporting requirements, Emmo is eligible for nothing.

02/18/09

Emerson Fittipaldi is rumored to have ratted on Helio Castroneves as a tax cheat

Q: What can you tell us about Emerson Fittipaldi’s role in Helio Castroneves’ IRS problems? I saw a news story a few months ago in the Dallas Morning News that suggested that there was bad blood between Emmo and Helio over some past business dealings; and for that reason Emmo dropped a dime on Helio with the IRS. (I hope it’s not true as I am a long time fan of both these guys.) I haven’t seen anything else about this in the enthusiast press and was curious about your take on it. Vic Bloede

RM: The rumor from Day 1 has been just that. Because Helio signed with Penske immediately after Greg Moore's death and reportedly didn't bother to include Fittipaldi in the deal (he was Helio's manager at that time), Emmo supposedly wrote him off as a friend. Then, as his revenge, he blew the whistle on HCN to the IRS. Not sure I believe it but maybe it will come out in the trial. SPEEDTV.com