Inside Track - Sunday mixed bag

It looks like a great day for the finale of the Autumn Colours Classic at Peterborough Speedway this afternoon. John Fletcher will clinch his first OSCAAR crown by starting the race, so not even a flat tire can spoil his run.

Michael Schumacher's hope for another F1 title blew up today in Japan. His only chance is to win in Brazil and have Alonso score no points to win the championship in a tie-breaker (wins).

Was at the CASCAR Super Series / Sportsman Series banquet on Friday night in London. The tone was extremely positive, especially when compared to years passed. Teams have been told to watch for a 2007 NASCAR Cdn. Tire Series sked in early November, which would be about four months better than it's been. The series is also promising a media kit to the racers (at around the same time) to help them sell their programs.

Lots of tributes to Tony Novotny for getting the series so far. Peter Cadiou was honoured by the Novotnys for all his years of service. Most believe that Peter is the only person to have been at every single Super Series race over the years.

There were also lots of 'old timers' there, including original tech guy Louie Bennett and longtime series administrator Chris Hughes.

J.R. Fitzpatrick was toasted with milk (he's not old enough to drink) as part of his recognition for being the final CASCAR Super Series champion. Sportsman champ Shawn McGlynn and Super Series Rookie of the Year Jason Hathaway joined Fitzpatrick in delivering solid acceptance speeches.

There was also a large DaimlerChrsyler / Dodge / MOPAR contingent on hand to celebrate their second consecutive Manufacturers' Cup award.

I haven't seen the ARCA race (because I was at the banquet), but word spread quickly at the party that Pete Shepherd was running in fourth-place with 20 to go when he was involved in 'the big one' at Talladega.

Everyone's still in shock over Mark Martin leaving Roush to drive for another Cup team in 2007. One option that hasn't come up anywhere (that I've seen) was offered by Louie Bennett, at the banquet. Maybe Martin is feathering a bed for his son Matt at another team... an opportunity that Roush wouldn't offer the second-generation racer. Makes as much sense as anything else.

Speaking of Roush, it sounds as though Jack Roush and Geoff Smith have a different idea on whether or not Jacques Villeneuve might drive for the NASCAR team next season.

JACK ROUSH, Owner-Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "That's a possibility. I know we're in discussions. He came to see us in Detroit and he's been in Charlotte and had discussion around our program and what he can do and the rate of which he could get up to speed. If he's got the stomach for it and if we can find the sponsorship for it, that's certainly a possibility."

GEOFF SMITH, President Roush Racing - IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR THAT JACQUES VILLENEUVE MIGHT DRIVE A ROUSH VEHICLE NEXT YEAR? "The report came over and was translated from Italian, poorly. I didn't really understand what it said, but if it said that he was going to be in a Roush Racing Cup car, the answer is no, we're full up. If the question is whether he's poked around the garage looking for possible opportunities in NASCAR, the answer is yes. I also think it would be fun and exciting for a 35-year-old Formula 1 world champion to be here. But, we do not have a place in our Cup stable. We are constrained. We can only have five. If would could have six, the next announcement that they're about to make would be different."

Hmm....

That's it for now. See some of you at Peterborough, I'm sure.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!