Following a very successful 2007 season on the Go-karting racing circuit, Huntsville's Kelly Wood is preparing for the start of an exciting season of racing.

The 18-year-old has already completed a formula car three-day school and a Skip Barber Scholarship Shootout at the famous Sebring International Raceway in Florida last month.

This was a first for her, competing in a formula car against 50 of the top drivers from Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, USA and Canada. Over 400 drivers applied for the shootout and only the best 50 were selected.

Day 1 was taken up with registration, a filmed and recorded interview and finally a custom fitting of a poured fiberglass seat. Day 2 began with a run on the skid pad in a Mazda Miata and an autocross driving test in a Mazda MX5.

Five sessions in the formula car followed over the next two days, and switching cars for each session certainly tested Wood's developing driving skills. By the end of the weekend, she was very happy with her results and the amount of experience that she gained will help her prepare for the rest of the season.

This is going to be a transitioning season for Wood as she will take part in a six-race schedule in the eastern series of Skip Barber at such great tracks as Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, Lime Rock and Road America, USA and Mont Tremblant in Quebec. A national Skip Barber race has also been scheduled where she will get the chance to race on the world famous track at Mosport.

Wood's season starts in early April, when she will be helping to teach the new drivers at the Toronto Kart Club, both in the classroom and on the track at Goodwood.

Stock car racing is set to grow here in Canada now that NASCAR has taken over the CASCAR series. Wood has accepted the offer to test a stock car at the Mosport oval in early May. At this point in her racing career, it is important to keep all her options open.

Wood will also be taking part in several days of testing in a Formula Renault in the USA later in the season. The remainder of the season, she will be running a limited schedule in karting throughout Ontario with a mix of club and regional races.

A website has been set up where you can follow Kelly's racing career at www.kellywoodracing.com.