Indy Racing League officials upheld Helio Castroneves' victory in the Indianapolis 500 on Monday.

Runner-up Paul Tracy of Team Green lodged a protest after Sunday's race, claiming to have pulled ahead of Castroneves by the time the yellow flag came out on the 199th lap of Sunday's race.

But after a two-hour hearing at IRL offices, and two hours of deliberations, league vice president of operations Brian Barnhart said there was no evidence to support Tracy's claim.

"Team Green did not present anything that was conclusive enough in any way, shape or form to change our mind," said Barnhart.

Tracy and team owner Barry Green have five days to appeal.

Team boss Kim Green has insisted Tracy was the rightful winner of America's most prestigious motor race.

Tracy's team argued the move happened before yellow flags came out to prohibit overtaking.

Green said: "I'm disappointed. We certainly felt we have won the race."

Green said he had not decided whether to appeal.

Castroneves insisted his rival had made his move under yellow.

He said: "The only reason he passed me is because the yellow came on and I lifted off.

"There was no way he could pass me on the outside of turn three if were still racing. I was protecting my position."

Results from 86th Indianapolis 500 (drivers US unless stated):

1. Helio Castroneves (Bra), 2 hrs, 59 mins, 51 secs
2. Paul Tracy (Can)
3. Felipe Giaffone (Bra)
4. Alex Barron
5. Eddie Cheever
6. Richie Hearn
7. Michael Andretti
8. Robby Gordon
9. Jeff Ward
10. Gil de Ferran (Bra)

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