Perennial Trico Trans Am frontrunner Ben Grice is back and fighting fit following an interrupted 2024 season.

After an extended mid-season stint on the sidelines, Grice returned to the Trans Am Series at the season finale on the streets of Adelaide, where he promptly finished third.

However, heading into the new season with numerous new cars entering the category, Grice is under no illusions regarding the challenge ahead, with round one to be hosted at Tasmania’s Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend.

“There are 15 guys that can really win the race in Tasmania, and I reckon I’m one of them, hopefully at the top of the list,” said Grice.

“We’ve got the same guys together on the 03 All American Drivelines Mustang, too.”

Son of motorsport legend Allan Grice, Ben has mixed memories from the Symmons Plains bullring – in 2023, he earned pole position and finished second in the opening encounter before winning race two.

That victory came in sensational circumstances, with Grice involved in a spectacular accident that ended the race prematurely.

Following surgery to repair long-term back injuries, the Queenslander has returned to full fitness heading into the new season.

“We’ve won a race at Symmons, won the pole there two years ago, then that weekend didn’t end up so good,” said Grice.

“Qualifying is going to be key – if you’re in the mid-pack, you’re going to have a tough weekend, so you just want to be in those first few rows; fresh air is a real big one… There is a lot to manage, but with a great racetrack and a great field, I’m ready.

“I’ve had some injuries and had to get them fixed up, all fused up in the back and the hips, so I’m brand new; I feel 14 in the mind and the body again!

“There’s been a lot of physio and fitness stuff, and I’m ready to get down to Tassie and punch on.”

The Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania 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 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 is available at racetasmania.com.au.