PUUNENE, MAUI, HAWAII USA - CART driver Paul Tracy zoomed past the 2003 Hawaii State Karting Championships a couple of weeks ago.
Tracy, the 2003 series champion, made an unexpected pit stop at the Puunene Go Kart Track and caused quite a stir among the local drivers. Although Tracy has since returned home to Ontario, a number of other go-kart drivers from around the state and the Mainland are here for today's sixth annual Hawaii State Go Karting Championships at the Maui Motorsports Park. Preliminary racing begins at 5 p.m. Drivers will compete in six divisions. The top three finishers in four of the divisions will be awarded prize money.
Tracy could not stay to be a part of the festivities. However, the 35-year-old driver, who will be celebrating his 36th birthday on Dec. 17, did enjoy a flashback to the days of his youth during his recent detour to the Valley Isle.
Tracy was recognized at the Puunene Go Kart Track with his girlfriend on his arm. Maui Go-Karters Association President Enos Kailiehu spotted Tracy checking out the Puunene facility and said to himself, "I know that guy. That's Paul Tracy.''
Although not positive, Kailiehu called Tracy's name, the driver answered with a smile, and the two began talking. Several other Maui Go Karters were at the track that day. When Tracy confirmed his identity, all the local drivers gathered around the pro, overwhelming him with aloha spirit.
Enos asked the driver if he'd like to take a few laps, and like a fish drawn to water, the veteran CART driver swallowed up the invitation.
" 'Yeah, I'd love to,' he said,' '' Enos recalled.
That's when everyone there offered Tracy everything - from the use of their kart to gloves, helmets, jackets and boots.
"Then he suited up and went 12 to 15 laps,'' Enos said. "When he was done he said, 'You guys have a great track.' But he was on his way to the airport to return home. He said he saw the sign and stopped, but wished he had seen it earlier in his vacation.''
Enos took advantage of the opportunity to ask Tracy if he was interested in being a part of the 2004 Hawaii State Championships.
Enos said that Tracy indicated he would come for next year's event if he could fit it into his schedule.
"The guy had a blast in that short time he was here,'' said Enos, who founded the Maui Go-Karting Association in 1974.
Tracy actually started his career in go-karts, like so many of the professional racers competing today. He finished sixth place in the world karting championships in 1984. From there he moved on to the Canadian Formula Ford circuit, becoming its youngest champion ever at the age of 16 in 1985.
Enos said one never knows who may catapult a go-kart state championship into a professional race car career.
