Brazilian drivers dismayed by soccer loss

When Brazil was eliminated Friday by Netherlands at the World Cup, it made for an unhappy day in the hospitality tent at Watkins Glen International where all six Brazilian IndyCar drivers reacted to Wesley Sneijder's decisive goal with dismay.

"It's sad to be away from my home country, but at least we have a little bit of Brazil here at the racetrack," said Helio Castroneves, who was second-fastest behind Penske teammate Ryan Briscoe in Friday's lone practice session at The Glen. "And we're all together."

The drivers each supported the home team by playing vuvuzelas, the plastic horns that have created a buzz at the soccer tournament in South Africa, and Castroneves and Mario Romancini wore Brazil jerseys.

"As a culture, that's what we grew up watching — soccer and racing — so it's a big deal," said Andretti Autosport's Tony Kanaan. "We lost a game today, so I'm wearing black." CP