Tracy rose quickly through racing's minor leagues, setting and breaking records as he went. At 17 he was racing cars with twice the horsepower of the family cars his friends were just learning to drive. Veteran team managers and drivers knew they were seeing someone special on the track: a quiet kid with the looks of a boy scout and the desire of a champion. Soon Tracy dominated kart racing, won at Can-Am racing, and ruled Indy Lights. He then stormed into the Championship Auto Racing Team circuit, racing wheel to wheel with Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti. In those early races, even driving an underpowered car, Tracy proved he could run with the big boys.

But Paul Tracy's success has come with its share of hardships. His aggressive driving style on the CART circuit has made almost as many enemies as fans. He's been criticized, penalized, and vilified both on and off the track. Nevertheless, two things remain consistent -- his desire to drive fast, and his desire to win.

When you live in a world of speed and danger, a world where success is measured in tenths of seconds and inches can separate winners from losers, one thing is certain: you can never be too fast.