Helio and Julianne Race to First Place

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Revving up the dance floor, race car driver Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough dominated the competition Monday night on Dancing With the Stars, finishing in the top spot with a total score of 57, including a perfect 30 for one dance. And yes, they definitely felt it coming.

“We didn't know for sure but there's always that gut instinct that tells you that you nailed it,” Julianne tells OK!. “As soon as I got the music and started choreographing I said, ‘You know what? This is the perfect song, the perfect style of dance for him.’ We were really excited.”

Their Mask-inspired quickstep earned a standing ovation from the audience and 10s across the board from Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli — three points higher than the trio of 9s they got for their first dance, the Paso Doble.

“I thought the first dance would get the great scores but the judges picked a little bit here, a little bit there,” Helio says. “I felt like, ‘C'mon guys, I put a lot of energy into that one! I had a whole pit crew working with me!’ And then with our second dance, Julianne was just incredible. We kept working and found out it was perfect.”

With five couples left, three going to the final and one winning the Mirrorball trophy, the 32-year-old IndyCar champ can see the finish line, but isn’t looking too far ahead. He just wants to maintain their, well, drive.

“We have as good a chance as anyone,” Helio says. “It is just a matter of keeping our focus — staying mentally focused and continuing to work hard!"

Also ongoing are more themed dances, Julianne, 19, teases.

“It depends! Everybody loves a theme — depending what dance and what music we get, I'll definitely try to keep things interesting with different themes. I don't want Helio to get bored!”

By Katie Christopher