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28 Sports Oakville Beaver SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 255) Fax 905-337-5567 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2006 NEED FOR SPEED: Oakville resident James Hinchcliffe, pictured during a race at Mosport International Raceway last year, will compete in an Atlantic Series race this weekend at the Toronto Grand Prix. The 19-yearold Oakville Trafalgar High School grad is in his first season on the Atlantic circuit, following a thirdoverall finish in the Star Mazda Series last season. BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER Childhood dream coming true for Hinchcliffe Local 19-year-old to compete in Atlantic Series race at Toronto Grand Prix this weekend By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF J ames Hinchcliffe was talking about this Sunday's Toronto Grand Prix with such enthusiasm, it's as if he's attending a fantasy racing camp. As he fielded questions from the television and radio reporters yesterday (Thursday), Champ Car stars Paul Tracy, Alex Tagliani and Sebastien Bourdais were doing the same just a few feet away. If Hinchcliffe still has to pinch himself every now and then, it's not surprising considering just four years ago, he was racing gokarts. "I've been coming here since I was three," Hinchcliffe said of the Grand Prix (formerly the Molson Indy), where he'll compete in the Atlantic Series race, Champ Car's top developmental circuit. "I've seen a lot of other guys race here so to actually get out on the track and take my turns, it's a dream come true. It's going to be a cool experience." When he first climbed behind the wheel of a go-kart at the age of nine, Hinchcliffe was told that he was starting a little late if he wanted to have any success in racing. Ten years later, Hinchcliffe is having the last laugh. And the Oakville racer is finally coming home -- almost -- to show just how far he has come. The 19-year-old quickly worked his way through the ranks, winning five races and finishing third "I've seen a lot overall on the of other guys Bridgestone Racing race here so to Academy F2000 series in his first actually get out year of open-wheel on the track and racing. He followed take my turns, that up with rookieit's a dream of-the-year honours come true." on the Formula BMW USA circuit. James Last year, he was Hinchcliffe third overall in the Star Mazda Series, which earned him a ride with Forsythe, one of the top North American racing teams. This year, in his rookie season on the Atlantic circuit, Hinchcliffe has already chalked up his first victory, winning at the Portland International Raceway three weeks ago. "We had good luck on our side," Hinchcliffe said of the win. While things may have lined up for him, he put himself in position to benefit from a couple of breaks. Hinchcliffe qualified eighth in the 27-car field and worked his way up to third by the midpoint of the race. With seven laps to go, Joe D'Agostino pulled off the track after running out of fuel, moving Hinchcliffe to second. Then, on the final lap, with race leader Ryan Lewis' car spewing oil because of a gear box problem, Hinchcliffe zipped past to take the checkered flag four seconds ahead of Lewis. "We had a good consistent car but I would have been happy with third," Hinchcliffe said. Now, after 17th- and 19th-place finishes in Cleveland, Hinchcliffe hopes to bounce back in Toronto. "We were coming off a disappointing race in Portland so hopefully we can rebound again," he said. Even in karting, Hinchcliffe never had an opportunity to race this close to home. That means there will be lots of friends and family on hand for the race. "I try not to think of it as pressure. It's more support," he said. "The pace laps are the worst. That's where you're thinking `What could happen here?" You're driving slow enough that you can see the people in the stands but as soon as the flag drops you're totally focused." Hinchcliffe, currently fifth in the driver standings, hopes that focus will eventually lead him to the Champ Car series, which, along with the Indy Racing League, is the top open-wheel circuit in North America. (Hinchcliffe says, with its variety of road and street courses, Champ Car provides a truer test of driving ability). Colour commentator But while he'll have to wait for his turn to drive in Champ Car, he's definitely getting lots of opportunity to talk about it. Hinchcliffe has been providing colour commentary for Champ Car's international broadcasts this season after being invited into the booth by play-by-play man Jeremy Shaw. "Before I ever thought I could make it in racing, I always thought it would be cool to write about it," said Hinchcliffe, who applied to Ryerson's journalism program before opting to take business at McMaster. "It's the coolest gig, next to racing of course. Now I get to do both and I'm only 19." -- Herb Garbutt can be reached at sports@oakvillebeaver.com. CANLAN ICE SPORTS ­ OAKVILLE · SUMMER HOCKEY CAMPS & MULTI-SPORT CAMPS · MULTIPLE WEEK & MULTIPLE SKATER DISCOUNTS · VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR WEEKLY OFFERINGS REGISTER TODAY 905-845-6989 www.icesports.com