Grapevine: Massa wins star-studded kart race

Massa, who had helped promote the event, beat Renault test driver Nelson Piquet Jr. by just one point after the double-header event.

He had taken an easy victory from pole position in the first heat, ahead of Piquet and GP2 driver Lucas di Grassi, but then had his work cut out thanks to the reverse grid format in race two.

After dropping back briefly to 16th in the opening laps, he recovered to take fourth place - just one place behind Piquet.

"I was watching him all the time," said Piquet. "My kart was good during the whole weekend and that allowed me to overtake the guys ahead.

"The important thing was to close the curtains of 2006 in a fine style. I expect another very good year, winning more races and perhaps fighting for the world championship."

A host of other motorsport stars took part in the annual event, including Rubens Barrichello, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Robert Doornbos, Tiago Monteiro, Ricardo Zonta, Jean Alesi, Antonio Pizzonia, Xandi Negrao, and Tony Kanaan.