A basket of eggs from the GWC Easter Bunny

The first race of the year worth keeping an eye on at the regional level hits the pavement tomorrow.

There are 35 entries -- from across the country -- for the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory (N.C.) otor Speedway. It's not only the PASS South Series opener, but it's also the first of the 4 races slated for the first PASS National Championship.

OK, so the F1 World Championship it's not, but given the involvement from Maine-based teams, Cup-affiliated teams and dominant southern cars, it should be an interesting event to say the least. Among the notable entries are PASS North regulars Mike Rowe, Cassius Clark and Derek Ramstrom, as well as Travis Benjamin. Alex Haase is in a car owned by Kyle Busch, and defending PASS South champ Ryan Lawler is on the entry list. Corey Williams, who works at Andy Santerre Motorsports in his "free time" is entered, too.

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Important to note here that Mike Rowe is still running the No. 2 cars of owner Paul Watts. Equally important to note, though, that the cars are now numbered "2r," as Rowe is the owner of the machines as Watts steps back his racing operation for 2008.

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Hearing that Damariscotta native Katie Hagar, last seen piloting Super Late Models in PASS competition, has landed a Camping World West Series ride for 2008.

Hagar is a former NASCAR Drive for Diversity participant.

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My other job is finally taking over. You can find out how here.

Only in Maine can you be a racing writer and an outdoors writer at the same time -- and gain instant street cred because of it.

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Gotta hand it to the American-Canadian Tour for knowing how to throw a fundraiser.

On April 12, 14 ACT drivers will participate in a benefit dinner/auction/casino night for the Autism Puzzle Foundation. For $125, you get 2 dinners, a small army of poker chips and entry into a drawing for one of 4 grand prizes.

Drivers and officials slated to appear included ACT head honcho Tom Curley and 7-time ACT champ Jean-Paul Cyr. Dave Pembroke, past champions Robbie Crouch, Brian Hoar and Phil Scott also are on the list.

For ticket and other info about the night, visit http://www.vtautismpuzzle.org/.

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Less than a month to go until PASS North and ACT open their seasons...