Little did I know last week when I met Helio Castroneves at The Mike & Juliet Show that the guy would go on to not only WIN the Indy 500 this weekend, but also be the latest — and dare I say sexiest — of the Radio City Rockettes. Last week, it all happened so quickly: I, on 3 hours sleep, along with Mad TV’s Arden Myrin, decided to ambush the 3 race care drivers hanging out in the green room and snap a picture for Arden’s new blog. Next thing I know, I’m in a heated albeit highly enjoyable conversation with Helio and fellow racer Ryan Briscoe, about God knows what… what I DO remember is offering to take them to lunch (again, on no sleep, this did not seem weird or creepy, rather warm and “absolutely normal”) only to be told that, well, they had to leave and race.

The resulting photo is notable for 2 important reasons: 1. Rather than me squatting to align myself with this group of smaller than average peope, Helio graciously stood on his tip toes to make me feel less like a monster; 2. How adorable are all of them?; and 3. Neiman Marcus is now apparently selling dresses from Pea in the Pod, because WTF re: my stomach. A NY Times wedding photo it ain’t.

Anyway congrats to Helio! And Helie, if you’re reading this: I was serious about that chicken wrap offer. It still stands.