CGG spoke with Brazilian NASCAR racer and well-known wall-climber, Helio Castroneves at the Sports Legends dinner. In addition to his IndyCar victories, Helio won the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars. Clearly, he had the samba edge. His fans know him as “Spiderman,” because of his victory habit of climbing the racetrack-side fence and when we asked what was up with that, he laughed and told us “I don’t know, it’s my thing.” Check out our interview below as Helio gives advice for future athletes.

CGG: Why did you come out to tonight’s event?
Helio Castroneves: First of all I was very honored to be invited. Marc and Nick Buoniconti from Miami – I’ve been doing a lot of events, showing up with them, giving my time and contributing to finding a cure for paralysis and when they said they wanted to include me to be part of the legends, I felt that was incredible, Just honored to be in that situation. Tonight is very special so I’m happy to be here.

CGG: Has paralysis affected your life in any personal way?
HC: Racing is a very dangerous sport. Unfortunately I do have friends that because of racing accidents end up being paralyzed. To see those people with the light that they have in them, and the way they are able to look in a positive way at life, it has made me look at life in a different way. Hopefully we can find a cure so that not only Marc but hopefully millions of other people can walk as well.

CGG: What advice would you give to young people looking to become professional athletes?
HC: First of all you need to love what you do. Second you can’t think about the glamor and all the rest of it, which is material. You have to dedicate yourself to really love what you do and with that the rest is going to come natural. Dedication and love are what you need.