From the Paul Tracy Files

29th February 2008

posted in Champ Car, IRL |

The recent merger (a/k/a marriage of convenience at the point of a financial shotgun) of CCWS and IndyCar has seen Forsythe-Pettit Racing fold its tent after 13 years of both CART and Champ Car competition.

The teams one last shot at glory, at least for the foreseeable future, is participation in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Champ Car finale, with drivers to be announced.

It’s with the “drivers to be announced” notation we open the Paul Tracy file.

Tracy expressed “shock” and felt “very disappointed,” Forsythe would close up shop leaving him looking for a job. “I want to be part of this new league, I want to run at Indianapolis again and I want to stay in open wheel racing.”

What’s Canadian for “too bad, so sad?”

Whatever it is it hasn’t stopped Tracy from looking, or owners showing a bit of interest in the driver. According to the Indianapolis Star, IRL founder Tony George wants to put the former Champ Car champion behind the wheel of one of his Vision Racing entries but the 39 year old is more interested in joining a championship-caliber team.

“He wants to drive for Penske or Ganassi, and he wants me to talk to them for him,” George told the newspaper.

Fat chance of that happening, and from the quotes issued by Michael Andretti he’s not headed AGR’s way either: “Paul is great and all, but he doesn’t have any experience in these cars and he’s getting a little old,” he tells SpeedTV.com. “We’re looking at 19- and 20-year olds, and he’s almost 40.”

“I hope somebody picks him up, because he’s always good for a story. He’s one of those guys you either love or hate, but he’s going to get the series out there. He gets press.”

For purely selfish reasons I would agree, Tracy is always excellent blog fodder whether it be “self-inflicted” injuries during a drunken escapade or a Rumble in San Jose the guys pure gold.

As proof his current job status hasn’t tempered him in the least Tracy is said to be seeking a minimum $1 million in salary this year. “(Oval racing) is pretty dangerous, and I’m not going to drive for hamburgers and hot dogs,” said Tracy.

Well now that’s interesting, especially considering he slammed A.J. Allmendinger when the later was first attempting the switch to NASCAR.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 29th, 2008 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Champ Car, IRL. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 On March 1st, 2008, peterg said:#

You & I will be lost if he does not find a ride He swings from brilliant racer mode to rock ape at the toss of a coin.

I disagree that he is too old for the series, he is EXACTLY what OW needs, a experienced old hand who can entertain.

posted on March 1st, 2008 at 8:52 am

2 On March 1st, 2008, Marc said:#

Could be Peter, but at times he operates with a two-headed coin with a rock ape embossed on it.

posted on March 1st, 2008 at 9:30 am

3 On March 1st, 2008, John D said:#

Tracy should have moved to NASCAR when he had the opportunity a couple of years ago. He has been greatly over shadowed the last few years by the Newman Haas Lanigan teams domination and Tracy is kind of the driver that time left behind.

John D’s last blog post..Predictions for Las Vegas

posted on March 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm

4 On March 1st, 2008, RevJim said:#

Just think what it would do for blogging and open wheel if Tracy gets a ride and, at some point during the season, Danica slaps him.

RevJim’s last blog post..Warming up in Vegas

posted on March 1st, 2008 at 7:49 pm

5 On March 2nd, 2008, Marc said:#

Could’a, should’a, would’a John D.

Fact is he had his shot at RCR with several test sessions at MIS and a one or two other venues. Childress cast him aside like a wet bar towel.

posted on March 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 am

6 On March 2nd, 2008, george said:#

It’s sad to say, but Paul is past his prime and got hung out to dry by Forsythe’s decision. As for NASCAR, maybe he can form a joint venture with our favorite self promoting former racer Jacques Villeneuve. Maybe in Nationwide, as they now appear at Montreal. I’m sure Molson would throw some beer money at them.

posted on March 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm

7 On March 30th, 2008, Bruce said:#

Paul, you are an excellent driver. Why not do what Mike Andretti did? Find a partner and pass your knowledge on to some one new. I hear owners make good money too.

posted on March 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

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