Drag racer Rick Kopp may be quick on the race track, but in the upcoming weeks we're going to see how fast he is with a hammer and saw.

The Burlington resident, who campaigns a Top Dragster, will be working with Habitat for Humanity Halton, as he and his team will help to build one of four proposed homes in the region in 2007. As part of an international organization, Habitat for Humanity began in the 1970s, and has built more than 200,000 homes worldwide.

"This is our first time for this," said Kopp, who has raced for about 20 years. "We're looking forward to helping."

"This is fantastic. We're glad to have them on board," said Deanna Smuk, volunteer co-ordinator for Halton. "One thing led to another, and we recently met with Rick. He will have his car on display as well as signing autographs."

Kopp, who is the heart and soul of Team Husky, has stepped up his racing program for 2007 with a new car and engine, capable of 200 mph down the quarter mile. Sponsored by Husky Tools, Kopp races at local tracks such as Toronto Motorsports Park and Grand Bend and competes in selected International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) events.

Racing a smaller version of Kopp's car is Shawna Woudstra of Burlington. The teenager races a Junior Dragster as part of Team Husky.

"Obviously, we want to give back to the community and help the people who need a hand," stated Kopp, a facilities manager for Eclipse Imaging in Burlington, who has also come on board to assist in the volunteer building. "And we're going to try to get as many of the team out as possible."

Habitat Halton will be holding its first open house Saturday, May 5, with lots of activities and information sessions planned. Also at the event will be Kopp, his team and race cars. The location is 1800 Appleby Line, Unit 10, in Burlington, and will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series recently announced for its 12-race stock-car series across the country.

The series starts at Cayuga Speedway May 26 and ends at Kawartha Speedway Sept. 23.

Former CASCAR series veteran driver Dave Jacombs of Mount Hope will be competing in the series but will not be driving. As a team owner, Jacombs put racer Alex Tagliani in his Ford last year for a CASCAR race, and the Champ Car driver placed sixth in his first oval-track event. The Montreal native has returned to the open wheel series, but Jacombs will have former Formula Atlantic car driver Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Que., behind the wheel for 2007.

tmiller@mountaincable.net