INDYCAR: May 26, 2009 - Paul Tracy to race for Foyt at Milwaukee

A.J. Foyt has hired veteran driver Paul Tracy to replace injured Vitor Meira in the No. 14 ABC Supply Co. car in the May 31 ABC Supply/A.J. Foyt 225 at The Milwaukee Mile.

"I'm excited to get an opportunity to drive albeit as a fill-in for Vitor as I know it's a short-term thing," said Tracy, who has won 31 Indy car races. "When I started my career (1991), I competed against A.J. He was one of my idols growing up. I haven't told too many people this, but he was one of the guys I modeled myself after. I'm a little rough around the edges like him, and I say what I feel, and that's one of the things I've always admired about him."

Tracy has made 14 starts at The Milwaukee Mile, recording victories in 1995, 1999, 2002 and 2005. Foyt also won four times as a driver at The Mile - in 1962, 1964, 1975 and 1979.

"Paul Tracy is a hard charger and our type of driver, much like Vitor," Foyt said. "I believe we can put the right equipment under Paul, and we've both had success there, so I think we can put our heads together and have a good race. It's a very important race for us because it's sponsored by our team sponsor ABC Supply, which is based in Wisconsin. Milwaukee is their home track, and it is the AJ Foyt 225."

Meira suffered a lower back injury in the closing laps of the Indianapolis 500 and has been treated at Methodist Hospital since May 24. Dr. Michael Olinger, medical director for the Indy Racing League, evaluated Meira again on May 26 and expects Meira to be released from the hospital on May 27. Meira will meet with Dr. Terry Trammell on May 29 and expects to receive clearance to return to his home in Florida. 

From John Griffin, Indy Racing League