South-west driver John Vogels will feature at his home track as he looks to tighten his grasp on the series lead.

Tonight marks the first time Simpson has held the opening round of the $5000 two-day showdown.

A boost in prizemoney has attracted some of the country's best drivers.

Vogels will be pushed to the limit by series contenders Jamie Veal and Mike Van Bremen and will be chased by World Series Sprintcars young gun James McFadden.

South Australian Steven Lines and well-known live wire David Murcott make up one of the strongest line-ups seen at the Simpson venue in recent memory.

Vogels said all drivers were looking forward to the line battle.

"It's one of the best list of drivers I've seen at Simpson and also Avalon on Sunday night," he said.

"I know the drivers are looking forward to the added prizemoney for the weekend and that goes a long way to attracting some big name drivers, which we like to race against."

The action heads to Avalon Raceway tomorrow night for the conclusion of the showdown.

Vogels said the quality field of excitement machines would put everyone on notice.

"David Murcott, Robbie Farr, James McFadden and a couple of others will add a lot to the series and make it tough for us Victorian drivers," he said.

"It makes you want to do well and hopefully at the end of Sunday night at Avalon we would have had a good weekend and still be at the front of the Eureka Series."

Promising female racer Taylor Johnson, of NSW, will experience Simpson in a sprintcar for the first time.