Up-Close w/ Paul Tracy-Part 2
- Written by David Taylor
- Published in Auto Racing
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The Driver: It’s racing season. How do you prepare physically and mentally?
Paul Tracy: Regardless of whether it’s the season or not, I pretty much maintain the same schedule. By 6.00a.m. I’m at the gym and work out for 60 – 90 minutes. At least four times a week, it’s with a personal trainer. Then I’m home for a light breakfast, usually juice and oatmeal. After, I’m catching up on business – emails, phone calls, dealing with my agent about personal appearances, meetings, TV schedules and the like. Then, I like to go for long bike rides to clear my mind and strengthen my body with a rigourous work out on my mountain bike.
TD: So that’s the morning. Then what?
PT: A light lunch and then dealing with email and phone calls again before heading off to the gym for a later afternoon session.
TD: So you’re a man of routine?
PT: Yeah, pretty much. It keeps things simple and really allows me to be focused on the job at hand – whatever that happens to be.
TD: You live in Las Vegas. Is that distracting?
PT: Actually, we just moved – to Scottsdale, Arizona over the past few weeks! But for the years we lived in Vegas we didn’t get caught up in the glitz. Scottsdale, like Vegas, has a climate that is much more agreeable and allows me to do so many more things year round. It’s also central so travelling is relatively easy. I’m pretty much a homebody. When I’m in town, I like to sit down with the family for dinner. I’m not into fancy things. After dinner, we’ll often all sit down and watch a little television – assuming the kids or me don’t have any homework! Most nights, I’m probably in bed by 10:00.
TD: Staying in shape is crucial for you; any driver is if they are serious about remaining competitive. Do you follow any special diet?
PT: No, not at all. I tend to eat pretty sensibly but I try to watch what I eat. I don’t take vitamins or health supplements and about the only time I see a doctor is before the beginning of the season to make sure everything is doing what it’s supposed to.
TD: Some athletes have rituals, superstitions. What about you?
PT: No, not really. No favourite t-shirt or anything like that. In fact, under my race suit there’s nothing – I go commando! And rituals? One, I suppose; I always get into a race car from the left.
TD: The left? Why?
PT: It all goes back to 1991 when I was with Penske. In fact, very early on with them I kind of got turned around in the excitement and got into the car on the right. Cracked up the car and broke my leg. Now, regardless of the circumstances, I climb in on the left. Always.
Check back for the 3rd and final instalment in the coming weeks.