Paul Tracy to test NASCAR truck

While Indianapolis 500 activities were abuzz over Memorial Day weekend, one would assume that open-wheel champion Paul Tracy would be missing the atmosphere that saw him walk away with a 2nd place finish in 2002. On the contrary, Tracy was busy booking flights and preparing to depart for Chicago, Illinois, where he will be participating in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series test for Germain Racing on Wednesday, May 28th.

Tracy, who made his NASCAR debut in NASCAR's #2 series in 2006, will return to the oval-track for a one-day test at Chicagoland Speedway. While this will be Tracy's first experience in a truck, he is known as one of the most cerebral wheelmen in the business and he will adapt quickly. Versatility is a trademark of the 2003 Champ Car World Series Champion, as Tracy has raced open-wheel cars, Grand-Am cars, NASCAR, and off-road trucks, all in the last two years.

One would ponder Tracy's plans for the future after his awkward departure from Forsythe Racing left the race world scratching their heads. While it would be easy for the seasoned veteran to retire and live off the earnings that he has generated through his Champ Car World Series leading 31 wins, Tracy has instead spent his newfound spare time executing a rigorous training program that has kept his body in top physical condition.

Tracy's skill and talent is coupled with the passion and enthusiasm that has made him the Thrill from West Hill and turned him into one of the most colorful, recognized racers in the world.

“I'm still young and I have a great passion for the sport of racing, and I plan to be a part of it for many years to come,” Tracy said from his home in Las Vegas. “This is something that I've committed my entire life to and it has been fun to participate in the many different disciplines of the sport. My situation with Forsythe was unfortunate, but it has opened up so many other opportunities for me and I'm really enjoying my life right now.”

Tracy continued, “The Germain Racing team is a championship team that is committed to winning, so it humbles me to be able to take part in a test and share a Toyota Tundra with Todd Bodine. He is one of the best in the business and I'm looking forward to getting to Chicago on Wednesday and doing whatever I can to learn from him so that I can experience my own success should I go that direction. I'm thankful that Bob Germain is giving me this opportunity. He is a class act and I'm happy to be a part of what he is doing in NASCAR.”

As Germain Racing currently heads up the points chase in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Tracy looks forward to gaining experience with a team that has done so much in NASCAR and has achieved considerable success with Toyota in the series

Somebody for the love of god get this man a ride in Indy Car.....I can't picture seeing PT in NASCAR...Makes me sick just thinking about it...GOD I HATE CRAPCAR...

No offense to some of the drivers in IRL, but it's crazy that he doesn't have a ride. I don't know the whole story or whatever why he doesn't I just think it's silly.

Great news. I hope that the IRL doesn't let Paul get away, but life goes on, and I wish Paul the best.

NASCAR's cages are more entertaining on ovals but too many rules/cautions. When JV was in trucks I made it a point to watch and I will with PT. Now if Nascar would do away with the privileged "35" we'd see some new drivers and teams, but I do understand how life protects its own.

I'll check over on the NASCAR truck board for more news with PT.

I would much rather see PT in IndyCar, but of all the NASCAR series, I can see him in the Trucks. The Truck series just seems to be a different mind-set than the "cars". Paul has a drive that would have him do well in the Trucks. Germain Racing isn't a bad place to drive if you are going to go compete in that series.

I think he'd bring a lot to the IRL, though, that is lacking right now. I STILL can't believe he doesn't have a seat...

Germain is a pretty good team, probably better than any of the IRL teams he could have gone with. Can't blame PT for testing the waters with a frontline truck team versus settling for a deal with a midpack or tailender Indy Car squad. He may not even be required to bring any money to this deal like was being reported with some of the Indy Car team rumors.

kann - 26 May 2008 04:33 PM

I would much rather see PT in IndyCar, but of all the NASCAR series, I can see him in the Trucks. The Truck series just seems to be a different mind-set than the "cars".

The Truck Series has some best racing. This past Saturday at Mansfield, Donny Lia won his first CTS in his 8th start. With possibility of PT signing with one of best teams in CTS. I'm looking forward to seeing PT in a truck.

SMoothrunner32 - 26 May 2008 04:27 PM

No offense to some of the drivers in IRL, but it's crazy that he doesn't have a ride. I don't know the whole story or whatever why he doesn't I just think it's silly.

The problem is Paul has this stupid notion that he is talented enough that he should be paid for his services and no one in the IRL agrees with him.

Mike

RCMike - 26 May 2008 05:23 PM

SMoothrunner32 - 26 May 2008 04:27 PM

No offense to some of the drivers in IRL, but it's crazy that he doesn't have a ride. I don't know the whole story or whatever why he doesn't I just think it's silly.

The problem is Paul has this stupid notion that he is talented enough that he should be paid for his services and no one in the IRL agrees with him.

Mike

That's right, they'd rather pay some neurotic, whiney, boy faced beatch but that's not the point.

Hopefully PT will get this ride, he deserves to be driving.

I wish him luck.

Between Paul Tracy and Todd Bodine, the Germain Racing team should be able to wreck the entire field before the last lap. One of them is guaranteed to win ... unless Mike Skinner wrecks them both first.

Remander - 26 May 2008 06:21 PM

Between Paul Tracy and Todd Bodine, the Germain Racing team should be able to wreck the entire field before the last lap. One of them is guaranteed to win ... unless Mike Skinner wrecks them both first.

I'm just hoping to see PT and Kyle Busch get into it.