Helio keeps win despite jump-start penalty.

IRL officials agreed with many a seasoned observer in considering that Texas race winner Helio Castroneves got a big jump on the field at the final restart in the Chevy 500k, and penalised the Brazilian for his over-enthusiasm. However, the punishment will not affect the race result.

Instead of promoting Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan to top spot, Castroneves will keep his victory, but was fined $50,000 and docked 15 driver points for accelerating prior to the designated restart point. The points penalty also has little effect on the overall season standings, as Castroneves remains fourth in the final reckoning.

"I'm extremely happy," Castroneves admitted, "For me to have the cowboy hat, and to have the win - especially in the last race of the season - certainly brings a lot of momentum for 2005."

"Helio went way before the restart cone," Wheldon insisted, only to be disappointed at the organisers' decision not to impose a time or place penalty on the Brazilian, who claimed his first win of the season. The Briton also lost out to team-mate - and new champion - Kanaan on the line.