Only to Begin Again ... Almost

The new year was hardly upon us when motorsports series were to start up. Every year, I've looked forward to following the Dakar Rally. Traditionally, it started on New Year's Day, but this year it was to begin January 5.

It didn't. Terrorist threats caused the sanctioning body to cancel the event just before it was to begin.

For those who don't know about Dakar, it has an interesting history. The rally runs during a period of two weeks and covers thousands of miles. It's excruciatingly brutal on competitors and their machines. And it's inherently dangerous, whether due to terrain, weather, or hostile natives. Dakar is worth the study, if you have some time.

Dakar's cancellation has left a hole in the beginning of the year.

So we move on to the next event that kicks off the racing calendar -- Daytona. I know most auto racing fans think NASCAR when they hear the word Daytona, but I think of 24-hour racing, the first event of the famous Daytona Speed Weeks. I've only been able to attend twice, but both times were magical. I remember best the race that ended with Al Holbert, Jr. and A.J. Foyt racing door to door to finish the race. There's nothing like taking a catnap and waking up to high-powered prototype sports cars flashing by in the middle of the night.

This year, the Subaru Road Racing Team is entered in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series race (Fresh From the Farm 200) on Friday, January 25 -- the day before the start of the Rolex 24-Hour event. The two Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Sedans -- #111 and #141 -- are entered to fight it out in the ST Class. Having made a mark in the series last year, I'm looking forward to following them throughout the 2008 season.

Come out and follow the team with me. I'll be wearing black Drive Performance T-shirts at Daytona ... and I might have a couple of extras with me.