A day after 2009’s version of “the greatest spectacle in racing,” the Indianapolis 500 community gathered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Plaza Pavilion to celebrate the event and congratulate winnerHelio Castroneves.

The Brazilian raced to a third 500 win Sunday in front of a screaming crowd.

Fire suits were nowhere in sight as drivers walked into the dinner Monday. Most wore much more formal attire, including Castroneves, who had on a striped suit. His girlfriend,Adriana Henao, wore a white cocktail dress.

“It’s a celebration of a great month for the entire team,” said Castroneves, adding that he is glad to be part of such a team.

Danica Patrickattended with her family. She said credit should be given to Castroneves, especially considering all he’s been through. He was cleared recently of tax evasion charges.

“This is a night for the winner,” she said.

Red roses were on each table, and Castroneves was placed at a front one, numbered 500.

Even the Speedway’s famous traffic directors got into the spirit of the evening. On most days in May, they wear yellow shirts, so drivers will know to follow their orders. On the night of the dinner, they wore black and white checkered silk ties with the yellow shirts.

IMS PresidentJoie Chitwoodsaid the celebration was a way to formally end 2009’s Indianapolis 500.

“For me, it’s just the ultimate closure for the event,” he said.

For the drivers, the month ended in the same place it began.

The plaza is the spot where IMS matriarchMari Hulman Georgeholds a dinner to welcome them to town in early May.

Sunday was HER energy drink CEOBrett Jacobson’s first Indianapolis 500. But, if he has it his way, it won’t be his last.

Jacobson watched from the pits and suite area asAlex Lloyd’s pink HER car made its way around the oval to come in 13th. Next year, though, Jacobson hopes to drive in the race.

As he prepares for what might be the ride of his life, a camera crew is documenting his moves for a television reality series. Exactly where it will be shown remains a mystery. But, Jacobson says, an announcement is coming.

In other news about the pink car, Lloyd’s wife,Samantha, had not given birth to their baby girl (Bethany) by the time the Victory Celebration began Monday. She was having contractions on race day. But after a trip to the hospital Sunday after the race, doctors cleared her to go home.

“It is a really slow labor,” Samantha said when she showed up at the celebration dinner looking chipper in a black gown.