FORT WORTH--Simona de Silvestro pulled a Hélio Castroneves Thursday night taking dancing lessons at Billy Bob's Texas in downtown Fort Worth.
Billy Bob's Texas is a staple of Downtown Fort Worth culture nestled in the historic Stockyards since it's opening in 1981. It bills itself as "The World's Largest Honky Tonk." Every Thursday night, Billy Bob's offers free line dancing lessons from longtime dance instructor Wendell Nelson.
In the wake of Saturday's Firestone 550k at Texas Motor Speedway, de Silvestro joined Billy Bob's patrons out on the dance floor on Wednesday. To the tune of country music and under Nelson's step by step instructions, de Silvestro danced along. KV Racing's PR Manager Trish Donovan also joined along briefly in the dance.
"It's pretty fun, but I'm pretty bad at dancing," said de Silvestro. "I think being in a line it is easier because you can kind of cheat and see what other people are doing."
After the dance, de Silvestro signed autographs for a few fans and posed for some pictures as well.
Simona also received a pair of Texas-style cowboy boots as part of her visit to Billy Bob's Texas, much to her delight.
"I think I look pretty good in boots," said de Silvestro. "I think I'm going to try and wear them to the track, it should be fun."
Nelson also enjoyed having her as part of her lesson. "It was great having her, she seems like a great gal," said Nelson. "To do what she does, driving near 230+ mph into a corner, I'm not sure I'd want to do that!," he added. "I don't like to go that fast!"