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| Michel Jourdain Jr. finished a strong second, his best podium position ever. (Photo: Autostock) |
Tracy's Mom, who lives in Florida, was on hand to cheer him on, tears rolling down her cheeks when her son passed the finish line, her arms ready to embrace when he jumped out of his car in Victory Lane.
St. Petersburg, a temporary 1.806-mile, 14-turn downtown street circuit, marked Tracy's 20th race victory. Consistent points scorer Michel Jourdain Jr. achieved his best finish by nailing second place while Tracy's most promising rival and last year's second place finisher in the CART championship Bruno Junqueira managed to clinch the last spot on the podium. Canadian Patrick Carpentier of Joliette, Que. finished in eighth. After holding second place for the majority of the race Carpentier hit the tire wall (dreaded Turn 10 again) on the 48th lap causing him to drop two laps down from the race leaders.
The points collected in Florida give Tracy the leading spot at the next event hosted in Monterrey, Mexico on March 23. Although happy about his victory Tracy remains humble in his conquest and while smirking stated, "I hope we don't fall on our faces next race."