Helio Castroneves' "Spiderman" routine began innocently enough.

After winning his first CART race in 2000 at Detroit, Castroneves parked in the wrong place. The fans were going wild and he didn't know what to do.

So he climbed out of his car and climbed up the fence, beginning a ritual that is now expected after every victory.

"I enjoy every moment and it tends to be a nice way of expressing my happiness,'' said the animated 28-year-old Brazilian. "It's a way to demonstrate my feelings very spontaneously. I'm having fun when I do that."

After he did it once ...

"They expected me to do it again," Castroneves said. "It tends to be a great way to celebrate. Climbing the fence is a lot of fun."

On Sunday, Castroneves will try to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indy 500 races in the 87 year-history of the event -- from the pole, no less.

"Wow, what an opportunity to do something that nobody did," said Castroneves, who posted a four-lap qualifying average speed of 231.725 mph over the 2½-mile Indy oval. "Obviously nothing (is) easy. I tell everyone I feel great and I'm fortunate to be in this position. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be."

Only four other drivers, Wilbur Shaw (1939-40), Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54) and Al Unser (1970-71) have won consecutive races.

"I'm just not going to get frustrated or upset if nothing happens," Castroneves said. "If we did it twice, why not another one? It's 2003, my car is No. 3, going for (win) No. 3. Oh my God. If you're superstitious, things are really looking good."

Already bursting with superstition himself, Castroneves has tried to duplicate his pattern of behavior as closely as possible in hopes of attaining his unprecedented three-peat.

"Obviously it's difficult to remember a year ago. I don't remember what I had for breakfast,'' Castroneves said, laughing. "Basically, it's one of those things, you know, when I say that I'm doing exactly the same thing, it's the way I'm conducting (myself) and approaching the Speedway."

He said he's repeatedly asked if he feels undue pressure or if he's nervous.

"Yes, all of those things (are) part of the game," Castroneves said. "But at the same time, I'm having a great time, talking about doing something that nobody had an opportunity to do. Records are meant to be broke - hopefully I'll go ahead and do it. But, for sure, it's one of those situations where you never know."

Team owner Roger Penske has won 12 Indy 500s, giving Castroneves "a combination to win a lot,'' he said. "I just hope another dream comes true."

If it does, the steel mesh fence along the main straightaway will be waiting for "Spiderman."

Contact Gordon Engelhardt at gordone@evansville.net.