Feb. 07, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Tracy realistic about Busch goals

Open-wheel racer preps for NASCAR debut

By JEFF WOLF
REVIEW-JOURNAL

It's been a few decades since Paul Tracy could say he'd be content to finish a race in any position other than first.

But after winning 30 Champ Car World Series titles and the 2003 championship, the part-time Las Vegas resident is realistic about what to expect in his first foray into stock-car racing as a driver in the NASCAR Busch Series.

 
 

"I'm starting out," Tracy said. "I'm not on a Hendrick team or one of the other top teams. You have to start out walking before you can run.

"The key is getting some experience and learning what makes these cars work, then learning how to run the races. Finishing the races and staying out of trouble is probably most important."

NASCAR veteran Todd Bodine spent most of Monday setting up the No. 34 Chevrolet owned by Frank Cicci for Tracy, who took several laps before dusk. Tracy expects to spend most of today in the car.

Tracy, 37, will drive in at least five Busch races this year, including three of the first four. He plans to start the Sam's Town 300 on March 11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"We're trying to find some more money to try some (Nextel) Cup and (NASCAR Craftsman) truck races," Tracy said.

"It's tough to get in a really, really good seat without having experience. What I've heard from most people is they want to see me run one. We're close to getting a deal together for some Cup stuff."

Cicci's car is locked into starting the first five Busch races because it finished 19th in points last year with Randy LaJoie behind the wheel. The top 35 get a free pass into races until this year's owners points are set for the sixth race.

"I've been gearing up for this," Tracy said. "The initial thing is getting your feet wet to see how you like it."

But it will be a challenge to start races without being considered a contender like he has been in Indy-style cars.

"My mentality is I want to run up at the front, but there are 20 Cup-level drivers and teams running in Busch now. You've got 15-20 guys who are winners at the Cup level.

"I think my best chance is the road race in Mexico City (March 5). I think I could win the race there." ...

Also testing Monday was North Las Vegan Spencer Clark. The 18-year-old will compete in at least seven Busch races this year, including Las Vegas.