During his career in the Indycar Series Vitor Meira has acquired the unenviable reputation of always being the bridesmaid, with a plethora of second place finishes but no wins. Even more frustratingly, the talented Brazilian has twice finished runner-up in the Indianapolis 500 mile classic.
Early Racing Career in Karting and Formula Ford
Meira started his career at 12 years old, racing karts in his native Brazil. Like so many talented Brazilian drivers he then moved to Europe to enhance his reputation. In 1996 Meira finished fourth in the British Formula Ford championship, and also claimed pole position at the prestigious Brands Hatch Formula Ford Festival.
Formula 3 and Formula 3000
After finishing fifth in the 1998 British Formula Renault series Meira returned home to compete in South American Formula 3. He immediately made an impact, winning two races and the Rookie of the Year Award in his first season. In 2000 he went on to win the title outright. That year also brought his first Indycar test, provided by the Panther team. 2001 saw Meira competing in the European Formula 3000 championship, where he finished the season fifth overall.
Meira’s Indycar Racing Career
Meira’s Indycar debut came in 2002, driving for the Menard team at Kentucky. After just a handful of races he recorded his first pole position in the series at the Texas Motor Speedway. Meira made his Indy 500 debut in 2003, finishing 12th. The rest of his season was interrupted by a hand injury sustained in a crash at Texas.
The Rahal Letterman team signed Meira for 2004 and he recorded his second pole position that year at Milwaukee. Staying with the team for 2005 Meira finished second in the Indy 500 to British driver Dan Wheldon. He wound up seventh in the final standings but lost his drive to Paul Dana, who brought lucrative sponsorship. Tragically, Dana was killed during practice for the opening race of the 2006 season.
Meira eventually found a drive with the Panther team for 2006 and had his best year to date, finishing fifth overall. 2007 was not so successful, with a best result of fourth at Homestead. In 2008 Meira once again finished second in the Indy 500, behind Scott Dixon.
During his racing career Meira has won the Rising Star award, presented in memory of the late Indycar driver Tony Renna. Away from racing Meira is a keen triathlete, and an ambassador for the Special Olympics.
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