The chance to qualify for the Knoxville World Challenge has also attracted a record number of US drivers — with 14 competing.

Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said six-time Classic winner Danny Smith, who was returning to compete this year, had been a great ambassador for the event since back in the 1980s.

“In the early ’80s we had a bit of a boom and started attracting more American drivers. The main catalyst for that was six-time winner Danny Smith. He became a sort of Classic ambassador in the US,” Mills said.

“He’ll be back again this year to try and win his seventh.” Mills said the Classic had gone from strength to strength since it first hosted the Australia-America Challenge in 1994 and became a qualifier for the Knoxville World Challenge in 1997.

He said long-time Premier Speedway race director Ian Sheppard (deceased) played a big part in making the Classic what it was today.

“Once upon a time we had to go and sell the Classic to American drivers, but now they’re aware of the reputation of the event and the high calibre of drivers it attracts,” Mills said.

This year the event has attracted a field of 85 drivers from the US and every state and territory across Australia.

“It’s a fantastic result and a car count we hope to maintain for years to come,” Mills said.

Other US drivers competing include two-time defending World of Outlaws series champion Jason Meyers and Craig Dollansky, another regular in the World of Outlaws series, which is regarded as the toughest tour in the world, Paul McMahon, Lucas Wolfe and Daryn Pittman.

Mills said he was also delighted to have arguably two of the hottest up-and-coming drivers in the world of sprintcars, Kyle Larson, 19, and Danny Gravel, both from the US, competing.

Jonathon Allard and 2010 Classic champion Shane Stewart will also compete.

“They will join a host of other American stars and Australia’s best, including current Australian champion and two-time Classic winner Brooke Tatnell,” Mills said.

Other Australian drivers to watch will include six-time Australian champion Garry Brazier and home-grown talent Max Dumesny.

“James McFadden, who is arguably Australia’s hottest young talent, will also return.”

Mills said McFadden, 21, had been competing at Premier Speedway since he was 16. Steve Lines, last year’s Classic winner, will return to defend his title.