The Amelia, a leading global concours weekend known for its racing roots and luxurious setting at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, has announced Hélio Castroneves as its 2025 honoree.
Continuing the event’s longstanding tradition as “the racer’s concours,” Castroneves’ wide-ranging racing and competition experience includes:
- 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021 Indianapolis 500 wins
- 2020 IMSA championship with four victories and four pole positions with Acura Team Penske
- Minority partner and co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing
- Season 5 winner of ABC television series Dancing With the Stars in 2007
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, the event stated in a press release announcing the honor.
“Hélio 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 Hélio Castroneves, and he’s sure to bring that enthusiasm from the track to the showfield. The Amelia celebrates its 30th year in 2025 and is growing into a new era, while still retaining its roots as the racer’s concours. It’s in that spirit of youth-meeting-heritage that we announce Mr. Castroneves as our next honoree for 2025.”
Castroneves is originally from São Paolo, Brazil, and currently resides in Florida, making Amelia Island one of his frequent local destinations. He began racing at 12 years old and 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 (MSR), making him only the fourth person ever to win the race four times.
In addition to IndyCar, Castroneves also found success in sports car racing, with he and teammate Ricky Taylor winning the IMSA championship in 2020 with four victories and four pole positions for Acura Team Penske. In August 2023, he shifted gears into ownership as minority partner and co-owner of MSR.
Reflecting his appetite for competition in all aspects of life, Castroneves was named champion on the dance floor as the season five winner of the popular ABC television series Dancing With the Stars in 2007.
“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.”
The Amelia 2025 weekend will feature seminars, films, celebrations, auctions, driving experiences and the renowned Concours d’Elegance, where guests will enjoy hundreds of vehicles ranging from 1930s Alfa Romeos to the most advanced F1 race cars.
The Concours d’Elegance will feature nearly 300 cars in 30 classes. It all takes place March 6-9, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
