Tracy tops 223 mph in return to IMS

Former Champ Car driver believes a spot in 1st 2 or 3 rows is attainable.

By Curt Cavin
Indianapolis Star
May 6, 2009

Paul Tracy said driving an Indy car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a seven-year break would be as familiar as riding a bicycle.

It was, which is why he pedaled better than anyone Tuesday.

The outspoken former Champ Car World Series driver sent an early message through the IndyCar Series paddock by turning a lap of 223.089 mph. While the rest of the Indianapolis 500 veterans will join him on the track today, Tracy made his intentions clear.

"I'm here to win," he said.

Tracy, who hasn't competed at the Speedway since finishing a career-best second in the controversial 2002 race, predicted a fast lap would come early in the day, but it came earlier than expected. Knowing the No. 15 KV Racing Technology car felt right as soon as he entered the third corner of his first lap, he mashed the gas. His third lap was 220 mph.

The team had anticipated a top lap of 219 mph. Tracy exceeded their top qualifying lap from last year by nearly 2 mph.

"Hey, it was only my second time I've been here in 15 years," he said sarcastically. "The car was just easy to drive, just as (team owner) Jimmy (Vasser) had guaranteed.

"I just had to hold it down, right?"

Tracy isn't sure he can win the pole in Saturday's qualifying session, but he thinks a spot in the first two or three rows is attainable. He expects to know more after today's four-hour practice, which begins at 2 p.m.

The race is May 24. Tracy has competed in five 500s dating to 1992.

Tracy lost the 2002 race five weeks after the checkered flag when Indy Racing League founder Tony George upheld the chief steward's decision that Helio Castroneves was in front of Tracy when the caution came on lap 199 of 200. Tracy maintains he should have been the winner.