Tracy announces five-race deal

The Canadian has inked a five-race deal with Frank Cicci Racing to pilot the number 34 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in selected events. The line-up of events includes next month's race at Daytona, and March's road course race at Mexico City, a track where Tracy has won in Champ Cars.

The programme then includes Las Vegas on March 11, Indianapolis on August 5, and Fontana, California on September 2.

The deal does not affect Tracy's Champ Car plans with Forsythe Racing, but if this toe-in-the-water exercise with NASCAR is successful, it could lead to a full-time NASCAR switch.

Sport Clips will be Tracy's primary sponsor at the Daytona International Speedway, Indianapolis Raceway Park, and California Speedway events with American Crew taking over as a co-primary sponsor with Sport Clips at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"I'm very excited about my first opportunity to race in NASCAR, especially in the biggest race of the year at Daytona," Tracy said. "Then moving on to race at Las Vegas, which is my former home, and then on to Mexico City, where I am a former winner in the Champ Car Series. I am thankful to Sport Clips and American Crew for believing in me and making this work. 

"I also want to thank Frank Cicci and Jim Kelly for putting me in quality equipment and supporting me. I would especially like to thank Doug Barnette for finding the sponsors and bringing the parties together and making this happen."

Sport Clips CEO and Founder, Gordon Logan, was equally excited about the relationship:  "Paul brings an excitement and passion to the sport that will greatly expand the fan base for the Busch Series, resulting in an increased awareness of Sport Clips in all of our markets."

Tracy tested a Richard Childress Racing Nextel Cup Car last season but decided against racing at Michigan.