Paul Tracy to return to Indy

Posted by Iannucci | 4/13/2009 | 14 comments »
Bookmark and Share

There's probably some irony, coincidence, or both involved here. In 2002 Paul Tracy lost what appeared to be an Indy 500 victory after race officials determined he made a pass of Helio Castroneves after the final yellow flag warning locked the positions for drivers.

Today, while Helio waits for a jury to decide his future, word comes from TSN that Paul Tracy will, for the first time since that '02 race, be returning to race at Indianapolis this year.

When the entry list for next month's Indianapolis 500 comes out this week, Paul Tracy's name is likely to be on it.

The "Thrill from West Hill" is expected to confirm a deal with KV Racing to enter one of their cars in this year's race as well as several other IndyCar events, most likely the Canadian stops in Edmonton and Toronto.
The intrepid Curt Cavin adds more.

KV's full-season driver is Mario Moraes. It is still possible that the team owned by Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser could have an additional car in the 500, either driven by Townsend Bell or Oriol Servia.
Both sources indicate a presser is scheduled for this Friday.

I don't think many people would argue that Tracy would be a fine addition to Field of 33, but I'd like to ask him to strongly consider bringing the wrestling mask. If only for media day.

14 comments

  1. vitorfan // April 13, 2009 12:10 PM  

    YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Anonymous // April 13, 2009 3:08 PM  

    Wow, I'll bet ticket sales double...zzzz.

  3. Demond Sanders // April 13, 2009 4:16 PM  

    As someone who didn't waste his time actively following the sport until unification... I'm all for it. People who hold grudges against PT for being the anti-IRL posterboy should get over it. It is all in the past, just like Champcar.

  4. vitorfan // April 13, 2009 6:23 PM  

    Sorry this is off topic, but the John Andretti story is buried and I doubt anyone would respond if I posted a comment there.(Sorry Jeff, feel free to move it if you want). Anyways, I was watching the press conference and I noticed a Dreyer & Reinbold logo in the background, but nothing mentioned of it in the story. Can someone please explain what the deal with that is.

  5. Unknown // April 13, 2009 6:26 PM  

    Dreyer & Reinbold is the team that will be preparing the Andretti/Petty car.

  6. Goose // April 13, 2009 6:41 PM  

    Welcome back to Indy, PT!

  7. AZZO45 // April 13, 2009 7:39 PM  

    "I was watching the press conference and I noticed a Dreyer & Reinbold logo in the background..." -VF

    You noticed the Dreyer & Reinbold LOGO (in the background) but MISSED team principals Robbie Buhl & Dennis Reinbold????? :) :) :)They were part of the PC

    Sorry, I not being mean spirited, that just gave me a nice chuckle!!! :) :) :)

    As for PT... Glad the Monster Energy $$$ was finally found somewhere in their 2009 marketing budget? Perhaps enough for more than the 500??

  8. vitorfan // April 13, 2009 10:25 PM  

    Wow, is that really worth a comment? (especially since "Ansen" had already filled me in) I should have been more specific. I wasn't really WATCHING the press conference, more like it was background and I caught the very end. Geez!

  9. AZZO45 // April 14, 2009 12:18 AM  

    Sorry VF... I said it was not meant to be a slam (idea) Plus your own words were I was WATCHING the PC & noticed the D&R logo. Based on what you wrote, I commented...

    I still think its funny you would key in on the D&R logo (which is a bit non descript & easy to miss) even if actually catching the PC at the end.

    Peace! It was all said in fun!!

  10. Robert // April 14, 2009 7:47 AM  

    I'd love to see him qualify third, them pull a Roberto Gurerro and crash on the parade lap!

  11. mmack // April 14, 2009 8:01 AM  

    Upon hearing this news, I demand a steel cage deathmatch between E.J. "The Venezuelan Viper" Viso and Paul "Le Crazy Quebecois" Tracy after the Pit Stop Competition on Carb Day. The ring can be set up in the open field behind the Pagoda, and invitations should be sent to Alex Tagliani and Sebastien Bourdais to particpate as tag-team brawlers. The survivor can face The Princess of Pout, Dashing Danica Patrick! for the title of The IRL's Ultimate Fighter!Jeff, get that Roy Hobbson dude at The Silent Pagoda on this STAT! It's wierd enough to be right up his alley.

  12. Anonymous // April 14, 2009 2:02 PM  

    Methinks mmack is really Eddie Gossage in disguise.

  13. Anonymous // May 21, 2009 12:00 AM  

    the best driver,he can win the nex indy 500 2009

  14. Anonymous // May 21, 2009 12:10 AM  

    el sera el ganador de la proxima carrera indy 500, tiene experiensia y hambre de triunfo, y pienso que se va retirar con ese gran triunfo que todos desean. INDY 500