Castroneves Praises Barfield’s Job As IndyCar Race Director So Far

SAO PAULO (AP) – Helio Castroneves is happy with Beaux Barfield’s job as IndyCar’s new race director despite disagreeing with the penalty he received after the Long Beach race.

Castroneves said Thursday that Barfield is “doing a much better job” than former director Brian Barnhart, with whom the three-time Indy 500 winner had a few spats.

The Brazilian driver said ahead of the Sao Paulo 300 on Sunday that Barfield is letting the “races flow” this year and drivers like it.

Castroneves said he still disagrees with the 30-second penalty Barfield gave him after an incident in the final lap at Long Beach, but said that at least the director took the time to explain why he made the decision, something he said Barnhart wouldn’t do during his time.