This week marks a little past one year since perhaps the best short track race ever ... the 2008 UARA-STARS Series at Ace Speedway. Jason York's thrilling victory in a four car blanket finish was the talk of fans everywhere. With all the controversy at Ace this year, this week's third annual UARA bash may be just what the doctor ordered for the much maligned four-tenths mile oval.

With Ace regulars Rodney Cook, Robert Turner, Bobby Griffin, and former track champion, York expected to join the UARA regulars, this could be another race to remember.

After the Friday night UARA bash at Ace, area race fans have more

reason to cheer as the USAR Pro-Cup Series will hit South Boston Speedway in South Boston, VA and the PASS South Super Late Model tour hits Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC.

Three cheers for former area late model standout Denny Hamlin on his Pocono Sprint Cup win. Hamlin held off a slew of top contenders and tears for his recently departed grandmother to take his first Cup trophy in over 14 months.

It was interesting to see "visitors" Richard Boswell (UARA), Mike Looney (Motor Mile), and Lawrence Boan (Orange County) at Sobo last Saturday night. A big field of 23 late models took the green flag. At the end CE Falk (no regular himself) edged veteran, Eddie Johnson by a bumper.

Modified fans rejoice. Speed TV will air the upcoming midweek Whelen tour show at Bristol on a short 30-minute tape delay. The mods will be a prelude to the Camping World Truck event. This will be the first time in many years that a NASCAR modified race has been on national television.

Make sure you hit your local short track this weekend for some good racing as I'll be hitting the tracks myself!