Tracy Considers NASCAR Switch

The 2003 Champ Car Champion tested for Richard Childress Racing at Michigan International Speedway with a view to racing in the GFS Marketplace 400 later this month.

However, Tracy has said he will consider a switch to the sport full-time from next season, ending his open wheel racing career.

"The next step is to see if we can come back here and have a good race," Tracy said. "Then, after that, I'll really sit down and really think about where I want to go with the rest of my career. Whether it's making a change, which is big in your whole lifestyle, or sticking with what I have now."

"I've done about all I can do and accomplished everything I wanted to in Champ Car. I have a lot of victories, 30 of them. I've won a Championship. When this opportunity comes around to get in with a good car, it's really what keeps you motivated.

"I'm 36 years old now and the top end of the road is really 40. In anything, to get into any top car, whether it's a Formula One car, a Champ Car, or a Cup car, the window of opportunity is so small to succeed. It's a decision I'm going to have to make in the next month or so on what direction I go, but I'm not ready to make it today, that's for sure."

Despite still holding the Michigan's qualifying record when Champ Car visited the track in 2000, Tracy was tutored by current Richard Childress Racing driver Kevin Harvick during the test. The Canadian says a decisions will be made shortly on his participation in the race, however he is cautious of his chances of a top finish.

"Qualifying and finishing in the top-20 and on the lead lap would be like winning the race," Tracy added. "I have no experience yet with anybody else that is going to be out on the track. That's going to be a whole different deal as well. I haven't even run around anyone here yet. There are 43 other cars out there, so it will be very different.

"The goal for me is to try to finish the race and get some experience. Also get some knowledge for the team so they can work toward getting their car better for next year so that's what I'm here to do."