Around the tracks?January 2 2009

Bargwanna back
Jason Bargwanna is back in a full-time V8 Supercar ride this year. Since the collapse of the WPS Racing squad just before the start of last season, he has rebuilt his career at the top level, driving everything he could and starring in the Mini Challenge last year. The former Bathurst winner will now partner Greg Murphy at Tasman Motorsport, driving a Commodore in Sprint Gas colours.

Algarve impresses
Grand Prix drivers have begun testing at a new circuit in Europe on the Algarve in Portugal. Ferrari and McLaren were first on to the impressive new layout and have praised everything from its location to a track design that takes advantage of the rolling country where it was built. It has Formula One test approval until 2011.

Detroit derailed
Indycar racing has taken a hit with the cancellation of one of this year's headline events, the Detroit Grand Prix. Motown has been hit hardest by the economic downturn and the race, run since 1990 on Belle Island and revived in 2007 as an IRL event, has not been able to raise the sponsorship necessary to continue.

Call to Bathurst
Cashed-up racers are being called to Bathurst for the WPS 12-hour race next month. There are plenty of race places available, including several in HSV R8s built by former V8 Supercar racer Cameron McLean. Details on the spots, and the race, from www.bathurst12hour.com.au

Cruze control
The latest Chevrolet Cruze compact, to be produced in Australia as a Holden from next year, will be General Motors' spearhead in the World Touring Car Championship. A three-car Cruze team will go up against factory entries from Seat and BMW in this year's series, replacing the previous Daewoo Lacetti hatchbacks.

Daytona's old magic
James Hylton is hoping to become the oldest driver to qualify for the classic Daytona 500 when the Nascar season starts next month. Hylton, 74, who was Nascar's rookie of the year in 1966, aims to run a full program in the Sprint Cup this year.

Hickman surprises
Darren Hickman was the surprise winner of the latest round of the SRA sprintcar series at Avalon Raceway in Geelong on the evening of Boxing Day. Hickman, a former star in super sedans, scored the unlikely win in a 350 racer from youngster Tim Rankin. Darren Mollenoyux finished third and is now second in the Eureka-sponsored series behind Matthew Reed as the championship moves on to Horsham on January 10.