Around the tracks January 16 2009

GT-R out front
The latest Nissan GT-R is about to be confirmed as the official pace car for the V8 Supercar championship, taking over from Chrysler and, before that, Audi.

Action at the 'Bool
The biggest sprintcar race of the summer, the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, will be run at Warrnambool next weekend. The program includes NOS Sprints and a display of super rods.

Twin Beams
Dick Johnson will run different livery on his Jim Beam Falcons in the V8 Supercar championship. Steven Johnson will be in the red car and James Courtney will be the man in black to reflect the sponsor's latest products.

Engaging type
Ryan Briscoe has begun the season with Team Penske on a high after his engagement to Nicole Manske. The IndyCar racer met Manske in the US, where he is racing and she works as a TV presenter.

Formula for MBE
Lewis Hamilton describes his MBE award as ``a massive honour and incredible privilege''. The new world champion has been made a Member of the British Empire by the Queen for services to motorsport.

Look back at Bathurst
The latest running of the Great Race at Bathurst is recorded in brilliant style by the publishers of 1k.08, in shops soon. The book has some great pictures. It costs $59,95 -- or $175 with leather wrap. www.p101.com.au

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