Ever wonder what it's like to be a professional racecar driver? Paul Tracy won the 2003 Champ Car World Series driving title and spends his weekends burning around a racetrack at 240 miles per hour. The Kidzworld Coach talked to the Champ Car driver about his need for speed and what it takes to become a professional driver.
By: The Coach
The Coach: When did you first feel the need for speed? Have you always liked racing cars?
Paul Tracy: I started driving go karts when I was five and that's all I've ever wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to be a racecar driver. I'm still just like a kid at heart and I love speed.
The Coach: What kind of cars do you drive away from the racetrack??
Paul Tracy: I have a convertible BMW, a Hummer and a Turbo Porshe but I don't usually drive them that fast. When I'm away from the track, I'm a bit more relaxed.
The Coach: What do you like to do when you're not racing cars?
Paul Tracy: I like to cycle. It keeps me in shape and I don't get bored of it like I do working out in the gym. When I'm away from the race track, I just like to spend time at home. I'm a big Playstation fan and love playing video games. I'm not big on vacationing. I just like to spend time at home and kick around the house.
The Coach: What's the best thing about being a racecar driver?
Paul Tracy: Winning and competing. When you're competing at this level and winning races, that's the most important thing and that what drives me to keep doing it?
The Coach: What sort of advice would you give to kids wanting to become racecar drivers?
Paul Tracy: You just have to follow your heart and be passionate about it. There's a lot out there for kids to do now and to get their mind wandering. When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was be a racecar driver. You've got to be pretty single-minded and focused on that if you want to succeed in life at anything - you need to be passionate about it and follow through with it.
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