Tracy pulled a Michael Schumacher by charging around the track at qualifying speeds despite severe tire degradation, and then popping into the pits for a quick "splash and dash," an abbreviated pit stop where his team only added enough fuel to finish the race and didn't change the tires. Tracy came out of the pits with enough time to maintain his first place finish, which he held to the checkered flag.
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| Due to a fueling error on his second pit stop, Tracy had to build at least a 25 second lead so he could stop a third time to top up his tank and make it the finish line. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course the difference between Tracy and Schumacher is that Champ cars are for the most part spec, with the engines, tires, wheels, and other components being identical from team to team. The only major parts that are different are the chassis', with Tracy and the rest of the front-runners driving Lolas and only two other teams, Walker Racing and Mi-Jack Conquest Racing choosing Reynard - the latter of which only runs one Reynard driven by rookie Alex Sperafico, who incidentally showed poor judgment in blocking Canadian Patrick Carpentier into turn one before taking out the amiable Francophone. The third-running Mexican Rodolfo Lavin took himself out just prior by spinning in turn two.
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| Rodolfo Lavin, who managed to claim second spot on the grid, fell to the back of the pack after spinning out just before the Carpentier/Sperafico incident. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Surprisingly though, this incident was the only major accident of a race which is normally replete with crashes, bangs and smash 'em ups, due to the tight, circuitous track and tall concrete barriers with zero runoff area.
Despite the challenges at hand, rookies rose to the challenge as well. The first newcomer to take the limelight was Rodolfo Lavin, who managed to claim second spot on the grid, the first time the Mexican driver had achieved a front-line position. Unfortunately for Lavin, he took part in the Sperafico/Carpentier melee and was shuffled close to the back of the grid when the double yellow flag stopped waving and the Dodge Viper pace car pulled into the pits.