INDYCAR: Tracy trying to make a deal for his final season in the open-wheel series

One of IndyCar racing’s most colorful drivers, Paul Tracy, announced today that the 2012 season will mark his final year of competition in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Competing in the Rolex24 at Daytona, he made the announcement after finishing his first driving stint in the Doran Racing Daytona Prototype.

“My plan is to do a final season of IndyCar racing,” Tracy said, indicating he wanted to confirm rumors that had been circulating. “I am trying to do a deal with Michael Shank Racing. We have the car and the sponsor, and we now need an engine package to make it happen. Once we have the engine program, we can tie up loose ends and be ready to test at Sebring. Yes, this will be my final year of IndyCar racing.”

Tracy, 43, has been racing IndyCars for 22 years and feels that without being in a car full time it is impossible to be competitive in open-wheel racing. “My last race was on a road course in July, and you get rusty when you are out of the car,” he noted.

The Canadian ace said he has enjoyed the Rolex24 experience and wants to do more Rolex Series races and other endurance events. “Growing up the races on my wish list were Indianapolis, the Rolex24 and the 24 hours of LeMans. Also, I have never driven in the 12 hours of Sebring and would like to do so.”

He is enthusiastic about the possibilities with Michael Shank. “Michael has the desire and he will give it 110 per cent,” he stated. Tracy has a personal services contract with Honda of Canada and he would like to obtain engines from Honda but since Shank has tied in with Lotus, the negotiations are ongoing.

Paul Tracy, Edmonton 2011

Photo by: Covy Moore