SONOMA, Calif. – Testing at the Raceway of Sonoma was the biggest aid, according to Rubens Barrichello, in recording a season-best fourth-place finish in the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. 

“It’s really good to have some good points," said Barrichello, who started 11th in the No. 8 BMC-Embrase-KV Racing Technology car. "You know the season started a little bit slow so thanks to the whole team and thanks for all the support. I’ve had wonderful support.

"The thing that I hear the most is 'Welcome to America' and I feel welcome. There’s plenty more from me for sure.”

Barrichello, competing in his first IZOD IndyCar Series season after 19 years in Formula One, previously had a high finish on a road/street course of eighth at Barber Motorsports Park back in early April. He has a best of seventh on an oval at Iowa Speedway.

“The team is a small group that works well together," he added. "For one reason or the other we haven’t been able to get the results that we deserve. The track really worked well. I was able to put some really good laps in.”

Reminder to vote

Helio Castroneves held a “Vote For Me” sign as he was introduced to the spectators during pre-race ceremonies.

Castroneves, who teamed up with professional partner Julianne Hough in 2007 to win “Dancing With the Stars,” will be paired with Chelsie Hightower for “Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars” this fall.

The season premiere is Sept. 24 (8 p.m. ET) on ABC -- nine days following the IZOD IndyCar Series season finale at Auto Club Speedway.

“We’re all pumped up for another opportunity to start dancing again," said Castroneves, who begins dance training this week.

Kimball, Honda greet Petaluma contingent

Charlie Kimball, who grew up in Camarillo, Calif., was rooting for the Petaluma (Calif.) National team in the United States bracket of the Little League World Series this past week. The team, which fell in the semifinals, won the consolation game Aug. 26.

Kimball and Honda Racing hosted members of the Petaluma American Little League at Sonoma on race day.

Joint effort for the command

London Olympic gold medalists Erin Cafaro (rowing) and Dana Vollmer (swimming) joined grand marshal Kevin Johnson, the mayor of Sacramento and former NBA star, in giving the command to start engines.

Johnson, Vollmer and Cafaro are Cal graduates as is Sonoma president Steve Page. The curbing on the road course is painted blue and gold in tribute to the Bears.

Of note

Josef Newgarden, whose No. 67 Angie's List/Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing car was involved in contact with the No. 7 TrueCar Dragon Racing car of Sebastien Bourdais in Turn 8 on Lap 64, injured his left index finger. He will be re-evaluated this week. ... Will Power led laps for the ninth race, the most of any driver. ... Scott Dixon met with youngsters of Teens Living with Cancer in the Target Chip Ganassi Racing garage at Sonoma. The two-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion works with the organization to bring awareness to the special needs teens with cancer face. … Seventeen of the 27 entries started on primary Firestone Firestone tires. The first two rows were on alternates. … Pre-race ceremonies included a six-jet air show by the Patriots Jet Team, the singing of the national anthem by Megan Hokaj, member of the Band of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base, a parade of service vehicles, a fly-by of two Aero-Vodochody L-39Cs and an cannon salute.