THE scene is set for the return of AWC Race Tasmania, as four top-level national categories descended on the city of Launceston to launch a massive three days of motorsport in the Apple Isle.

Launceston Mayor Cr. Danny Gibson was joined by a host of motorsport talent, including Tassie racing icon John Bowe and up-and-coming local star Lachie Dalton for the official event launch in Launceston’s Civic Square.

The mayor turned the key on Dalton’s AWC Trans Am racer today, giving fans on hand a taste of the sights and sounds set to take to the iconic Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend.

The Trans-Am car was joined by a Garry Rogers Motorsport S5000 as Australia’s top open-wheel category looks to re-set their own Symmons Plains lap record.

Bowe’s Holden Torana Touring Car Masters entry was on show in its spectacular new livery, as the two-time Bathurst 1000 winner and six-time TCM champion starts his farewell tour from full-time racing competition.

At Symmons Plains, the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia field was on-track for four hours on Thursday afternoon testing their brand-new tyres ahead of the new season.

The series has switched to Kumho Tyres for 2023 with competitors getting their first taste of the new rubber at Symmons Plains Raceway today.

The TCR field includes 2019 champion Will Brown and reigning champ Tony D’Alberto going head to head, in their Audi and Honda entries, respectively.

AWC Race Tasmania commences tomorrow (Friday, 24 February) with practice and qualifying sessions with racing commencing on Saturday.

Tickets remain on sale via motorsporttickets.com.au with live coverage on Stan Sport and the Nine Network this weekend.