REIGNING Trico Trans Am Series champion Todd Hazelwood will be looking to get his title defence off to a flying start this weekend at Symmons Plains Raceway for Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania.

Now leading an expanded TFH Racing squad, which is fielding six entries in the event, the 29-year-old Bathurst 1000 champion is aware of the step up in competition for the new season.

“This year coming into the series there is obviously a stacked field, I think everyone has seen the growth of the category, and how good this category is for the future development of young talent,” said Hazelwood.

“The cars are raw, they’re basic, and they are a real driver’s car, no ABS, no traction control, plenty of horsepower, low downforce, you really have to hustle these cars to be fast.

“I think that the racing we saw last year was fantastic, absolutely some of the best racing in Australian motorsport, I believe – I might be a little bit biased being in the category, but the racing was awesome.

“The competition is always going to step up, we saw over the summer, heaps of new young faces join the category, some experienced drivers too, especially from TCR coming over as well, plus some hard heads who’ve had plenty of experience in this category too.

“I think that combination of experience and youth, even from the Pro-Am side, there’s never going to be a dull moment throughout the weekend.”

With a capacity field set to take to the track, space is going to be at a premium around the 2.41km circuit, especially in qualifying.

“Thirty-two cars around this short little lap, getting clear track is going to be absolutely paramount,” said Hazelwood.

“If you work it out on the circuit, there is no more than 60 metres between each car, so as far as clear track, discrepancies in different driver’s abilities, and especially being the first round, everyone is going to be excited.

“There is a lot that is going to unfold over the course of this weekend.

“For me personally, yes, we finished last year on a high, we finished as champions, but we very much reset starting here as round one.

“We’re under no illusion about the challenge ahead of us throughout this whole year.

“We just need to focus on ourselves and get the most out of it, and see where we end up.”

The Trico Trans Am Series takes to Buckby Motors Symmons Plains Raceway for a lone 30-minute-long practice session tomorrow from 11:05am, before a two-part qualifying session from 1:10pm.

The opening race for the season is scheduled for 4:20pm, while Sunday will see cars take to the circuit for three further 25-minute-long races.

For those watching at home, from 11:00am to 12:30pm, a live stream will be available via the Trico Trans Am Series, Race Tasmania and V8 Sleuth Facebook pages, plus the Trans Am and V8 Sleuth YouTube Channels.

Coverage from 1:00pm to 5:00pm will be available via SBS and Kayo.

Fans trackside will be able to enjoy a track walk at 4:00pm before the opening encounter, with further ticketing details on Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania available at racetasmania.com.au.