Paul Tracy

Paul Anthony Tracy, born on December 17, 1968, is a Canadian-American former professional auto racing driver, known by the nicknames "PT" and "The Thrill from West Hill". Tracy made a name for himself primarily in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. His career spanned over three decades, marking him as a prominent figure in motorsports. From a young age, Tracy showed immense talent, starting with kart racing at age five. By sixteen, he transitioned to car racing, achieving third place in the 1985 Formula Ford 1600 championship and earning the Rookie of the Year award.

Tracy's career accelerated rapidly, culminating in the 2003 Champ Car World Series Championship. In 1990, he secured the American Racing Series Championship, setting a record with nine wins in a single season. His Champ Car debut came in 1991 with Dale Coyne Racing, followed by a stint as a test driver for Penske Racing. His first full Champ Car season in 1993 saw him win five races, including his first at Long Beach. Tracy's aggressive driving style and relentless determination garnered him both accolades and a strong fan base.

Beyond his racing achievements, Tracy is known for his diverse interests. An avid go-karter, he owns and maintains Paul Tracy model 125cc shifter karts. He enjoys attending motorcycle events such as Daytona Bike Week and the Sturgis Rally. Tracy is also a self-proclaimed video game enthusiast and enjoys alternative rock music, with Metallica being a favorite. His contributions to motorsports were recognized with his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2014.