After winning Season 5 and sharing the mirror ball trophy with partner Julianne Hough, he'll be back for Season 15's All-Star edition partnered with Chelsie Hightower.
"For me it's all about do the homework to do well, but I think everyone is thinking the same way as well," Castroneves said.
The Brazilian race-car driver hasn't spent much time thinking about the dance floor since his 2005 victory. Right now, he's in contention for another IndyCar season title. And he's amazed at how many fans of his racing career also followed him on the show.
"They still talk about it, still remember, they saved in the DVR, the dance with the yellow suit," he said, "so it's great to have that kind of fans, people who are supporting the show. That's another reason I'm back. Can't wait to start dancing."
One change for Castroneves this year involves the audience. He now has a 2-year-old daughter to cheer him on.
"Right now, she has been playing with a lot of little cars," he said. "Hopefully with 'Dancing With The Stars' and Barbie dolls she'll say, 'Daddy, I want to start dancing.' It's going to be up to daddy now to make that happen."
The new season premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 on ABC7.
