RFM Front Page News

VANCOUVER, Canada (January 22, 2004) — Our Canadian Boy, he finally did it! It was lucky #13 for Paul Tracy this year. He won the Vanderbilt Cup and it was One Sweet Victory for the Scarborough, Ontario native. And Canada celebrated right alongside him. I could quote you his stats this year but you can go anywhere to find those. His first year was with Dale Coyne racing in 1991, then the leap to Penske in 1992; to Newman-Haas in 1995; back to Penske in 1996, then he went to Team Kool Green in 1998 until 2002. What is SO massive about Paul is he’s been on that podium 58 times in 209 starts; and he has 26 wins to his credit. Right from his first burnout Paul has been an aggressive, successful standout talent to watch for. Love him or hate him, you could do anything but ignore him. But it took that lovely #3 blue Player’s/Indeck car to raise Paul up to the top step in 2003. And, I don’t doubt, a LOT of help from every frustrated Team Players/Forsythe crewperson, and his very talented, equally frustrated teammate, Patrick Carpentier. It takes much more than a driver to win a championship, but you can’t win one without a great driver. So thank you to Paul, for taking time once again to talk to RFM about your year in 2003; and, Paul, we will see you in Long Beach to defend your title!

Margot Orenchuk: What was THE single biggest challenge you had to overcome this year?

Paul Tracy: Winning the championship was the biggest challenge I have ever had to overcome in my LIFE. This year all the pieces came together. The team did what they had to do. All I had to do was get it done on the track.

MO: What is the worst thing that can happen to you to destroy your focus during a race?

PT: For a group of naked women to sunbathe right next to the track. Actually, that might not be a bad thing… just a bit distracting.

MO: Just where did that whole “applesauce” thing come from, anyway?

PT: Well… there are these trees called apple trees and they bear fruit. Then the fruit is smashed up into a sauce…

MO: Did you know that Jim Swintal was going to wave the checkered flag trackside on the finish line in Mexico? Did you even see him?

PT: That was pretty cool. It was a very nice tribute to the way things used to be in racing. A real throw back… and Swintal did a good job too. Not only did it look really good, but he avoided getting killed.

MO: Were you told ahead of time he was going to do that?

PT: Actually... no. I didn’t really see him until the last minute. We were pretty close. I’m not sure who was more surprised; me seeing him on the finish line at the last moment, or for him to see me come that close to him!

MO: What is the one question you never get asked by the media that you would like to be?

PT: “How did you get to be such a nice guy?” They never ask me that. They all think I’m mean but it isn’t true. (He’s right – Paul is one of the nicest drivers I’ve ever met or interviewed – he’s never refused a request – never not stopped to say hello or have a quick word with me, even in Vancouver OR Toronto, 2 of his most hectic races. Margot)

MO: What is the one question you can’t stand being asked by the media?

PT: “Why did it take you so long to win the Championship?” It is a fair question… but remember … there are some legendary drivers that have never won Championships. ( Sir Stirling Moss never won the F1 championship) and besides… the fact that it took me this long made it THAT much more special.

MO: Who did you miss most racing against this year?

PT: Dario… because I would have KICKED HIS ASS in a Player’s car!

MO: Now that you have had a chance to reflect on 2003, how much of a toll did the pressure to win this series take on you? I have to tell you, tears from Paul Tracy surprised a lot of people.

PT: I don’t think it took a toll at all; if anything I was just massively happy to finally win the cup!

MO: What is the strangest request you have had made on you as a driver?

PT: The strangest request came from a fan… “My brother is sick. Would you give me your Harley so I can sell it and pay for his doctor’s bill?”

MO: Paul, I’ve known you as a driver and watched you for over 13 years now. I’ve been media for 3. And I’ve seen and heard many things out of your mouth, but when you won the championship, you said something that made ME cry. You thanked God. Is He important in your life?

PT: I’m not a church going type but I do believe in a higher power. We often refer to the Racing gods…

MO: Who is the one racer you wished that you would have had a chance to race against?

PT: Without a doubt …Ayrton Senna.

MO: Do you have any superstitions before race day?

PT: No real superstitions; just a certain amount of routine really. My routine includes a light meal 2 hours prior to start of race, a short nap and stretching ½ an hour before Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.

MO: What do you say to the people that will charge that the only reason you won this year is because the field was so watered down by the lack of good racing teams deserting to the IRL? (Running and hiding!!!) I honestly haven’t heard that answer yet Paul.. and every single driver out there has avoided answering this. Including Tag… Has there been a gag order or something??

PT: No gag order… (HA! Like anyone could put one on me anyways!) but I will say this…The IRL champ (Scott Dixon) didn’t win too much when he was in CART.. So you tell me what is easier?

RFM thanks Paul Tracy for this interview and we look forward to seeing him defend his Championship in Long Beach!

Next week: Mario Dominguez