Paul Tracy’s name echoes through the corridors of open wheel racing history in Canada and beyond. Known affectionately as the "Thrill from West Hill," Tracy’s aggressive driving style and relentless determination made him one of the most electrifying figures of the Champ Car era. This year, his achievements have been recognized with an induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor reserved for athletes who have distinguished themselves across amateur and professional arenas.
The 2003 Champ Car World Series champion was the only motorsports athlete to be honored in a class that also celebrated Olympic gold medalist and world record swimmer Summer McIntosh, as well as the 2019 NBA championship-winning Toronto Raptors team. Tracy expressed his pride at being included among such outstanding Canadian talent, reflecting on his roots in Toronto and the unexpected journey that led him to racing greatness.
Throughout his storied career, Tracy notched 31 wins with prominent teams including KOOL Green, Forsythe, Team Penske, and Newman Haas. After the 2008 unification of Champ Car and IndyCar, he continued racing sporadically in events including the iconic Indianapolis 500. His versatility extended to endurance sports car racing and NASCAR appearances, alongside pioneering seasons in the Superstar Racing Experience.
Off the track, Tracy transitioned seamlessly into media roles, from his analyst position with NBC’s IndyCar broadcasts to hosting the Racers Unchained podcast. His contribution to the sport and Canadian motorsport culture is deeply felt, his fiery personality matched by a profound passion for racing.
