Slimmer Tracy built for speed
Feb. 9, 2002. 01:00 AM
CART driver looks to erase 2001 memories
Rick Matsumoto
sports reporter , Toronto Star
MONTEREY, Calif. — Auto racing fans tuning into the opening race of CART's 2002 season next month from Monterrey, Mexico, might have difficulty recognizing the driver stepping out of the No.26 Team KOOL Green car.
But make no mistake. The slim, trim individual under the chrome-domed helmet will be none other than Paul Tracy. While the 33-year-old Scarborough native will never be mistaken for jockey-sized Cristiano da Matta, a rigorous off-season cycling program has allowed him to shed 26 pounds and bring his weight down to a svelte 180 pounds.
And with that he's ready to put behind him a frustrating 2001 season which saw him get off to a promising start only to see it fizzle in the second half. His only two podium finishes came in the first and third races of the year. After that he had 12 results out of the top 10 and wound up finishing 14th in the championship derby.
Tracy maintains that it wasn't a lack of fitness that resulted in his disappointing year. But now he's looking for every edge that will help him become a legitimate contender for the 2002 drivers' crown. It's long been contended that Tracy, who is easily the heaviest driver on the CART circuit, has carried a handicap which could cost him as much as a tenth of a second per lap against a driver of equal ability who is 50 pounds lighter on some street or road courses.
While he worked out regularly at a gym, Tracy became frustrated with his inability to lose weight. Finally, he turned to cycling on the advice of fitness trainer Jim Leo. He also credits his girlfriend Somina McNeeledge, who is a fitness buff, with being a strong influence in helping him use cycling as a fitness tool.
"I've always gone to a gym and worked out, but it would get so frustrating because I'd work out for a week or two, lift weight and do some cardio work, but then I'd weigh myself and find out I'd gained five pounds. I'd build muscle.
"My body type is not like a lot of these other guys. They're built more like a jockey or a distance runner, long and lean. My build is more like a hockey player or a linebacker.
"My strength and endurance were never a problem. I've just been able to make myself physically smaller now.''
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