The biggest V8 field in 20 years is set to descend on Tasmania’s Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend in the Trico Trans Am Series, with a star-studded field set for the opening round of the category’s sixth season.

An entry of 32 cars, a category record, will headline Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania, with a combination of experienced Trans Am competitors going head-to-head with an influx of new competitors eager to make their mark.

Leading the entry list are six cars from TFH Racing, which is fielding machines for reigning series champion Todd Hazelwood, Supercars endurance co-driver Jack Smith, Super2 rookie Ben Gomersall, plus regular team drivers Josh Thomas, Des Collier and Mark Bailey.

Garry Rogers Motorsport will undoubtedly be in the front running mix, with 2023 champion James Moffat set to line up alongside Supercars ace James Golding, former TCR driver Jordan Cox, and rising stars Tom Davies and Lachlan Evennett.

Ben Bargwanna is another driver to step into Trans Am for the first time, with his family-run team set to enjoy assistance from the GRM squad.

Super2 competitor and Erebus Motorsport endurance race co-driver Jarrod Hughes is locked in, ditto fellow Super2 driver Nash Morris, while the inclusion of Nathan Herne means that all three former Trans Am champions will be on the grid.

A pair of Tasmanians are also set to feature prominently, with reigning Touring Car Masters champion Adam Garwood returning to Trans Am competition, while Josh Webster will race under the guidance of local legend Marcos Ambrose.

Following an interrupted 2024 campaign, Ben Grice returns to action at a venue with sweet and sour memories for the Queenslander, as Sprintcar legend Robbie Farr continues his transition to circuit racing.

A debutant to watch will be Tickford Autosport’s Charlie Nash, while Jackson Rice is confirmed for Dream Racing Australia and will be in the front running pack.

Josh Haynes moves into the series as the reigning TA2 Series winner, while category stalwart Elliot Barbour will look to break through for his maiden victory after five second-place finishes, including in Tasmania last year.

Rookie Chase Hoy will line up alongside John Holinger at Holinger Racing, with Blake Tracey an outright contender.

Also included in the bumper lineup are Pro-Am entries for Mark Crutcher, Cameron Laws, Michael Coulter, Jason Pryde, Graham Cheney and Sprintcar ace Domain Ramsay.

All told, the field will consist of 24 Ford Mustangs and 8 Chevrolet Camaros, while the intra-class battle will see 12 racers battle it out for Pro Am honours.

The weekend schedule sees a lone practice session on Saturday followed by a two-part qualifying session and the opening race of the season, with three further 25-minute-long races scheduled for Sunday.

In a bonus for fans trackside, grid walks will be held before races one, three and four.

Both days will feature live coverage on SBS, Fox Sports and Kayo from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, with the TV coverage preceded by a live stream to the Trico Trans Am, Race Tasmania, and V8 Sleuth Facebook pages from 11:00am – 12:30pm daily.

Tickets for Hi-tec Oils Race Tasmania and further event information are available at racetasmania.com.au.