testimony

IndyStar.com Sports Auto Racing Indy 500
May 25, 2007

Scheckter: There's no better way to end the day
Vision Racing driver has a hot tub available, and some competitors are showing interest

After a long day of speeding around Indianapolis Motor Speedway at about 220 mph, Tomas
Scheckter found an ideal release.

Work to do: Vision Racing crew members work on Tomas Scheckter's car during the first
week of practice. Scheckter qualified 10th. - Greg Griffo / The Star

He soaked himself.

The 26-year-old South African had a hot tub delivered to his motorcoach a couple days into
practice. At the end of each day, he looked forward to kicking back in the bubbles.

"You're at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, sitting in your hot tub and watching the sunset,"
said Scheckter, who qualified 10th in the Vision Racing No. 2 car for Sunday's 91st Indy 500.
"You couldn't ask for anything better."

It's not surprising the six-time 500 starter would revel in pitching a hot tub. He is what one
would expect from a young race driver, one of the IndyCar Series' eligible bachelors and a
thrill-seeker known for unusual pursuits.

"What's great about it is, it's so light," Scheckter said of the Softub, which is 75 pounds when
empty. "You can move it around anywhere. I could empty the water out and move it myself."

He moves it, too. It has been inside and outside his motorcoach. The tub prompted other
inquiring drivers to check it out.

"It seems to be the talk of the paddock at the moment," he said. "Everybody wants to jump
in. Danica (Patrick) came to visit when I was jumping in. A bunch of people came by to see it."

For the record, the married Patrick did not get herself in hot water with Scheckter.

"I said they could all jump in if they want," he said. "Everybody thinks it's super cool. The
only problem is, it's sitting next to a massive power unit, so there's no absolutely splashing."

No joke. Can't miss the electric lightning bolt warnings on the huge green box next to his
Softub.

"An electrifying time in the hot tub," he quipped.

That's Scheckter. Don't let risk get in the way of relaxation. But after racing as fast as he
does to make a living, he's not about to let a green box cramp his style.

"It's perfect. You loosen up the muscles a bit," he said. "You're going to see a lot of drivers
carrying these around. I'm starting a trend here. It's cool, it's nice, it's fun. It's a perfect thing
to do on a hot day at the track. Jump into a hot tub."

One night before the final weekend of qualifying, Scheckter did a live TV remote from his
tub, which was turned up to 101 degrees.

Not that he is ever alone in his tub. He has a yellow rubber ducky.

As he stepped out of the tub after the interview, Vision Racing teammate Ed Carpenter
observed Scheckter's two-toned skin color.

"Nice farmer's tan," Carpenter said, as the two slapped hands.