Now the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic winner is back, ready to kick-start his three-month Down Under tour at the track where he raced into the history books.

Hirst is the headline act for a Sprintcar Racing Association series round at Allansford’s Premier Speedway on Saturday.

Australian ace Brooke Tatnell, who has flown from the United States, is among a 56-strong star-studded field.

Hirst, 27, said he was excited to return to Warrnambool – some 10 months after winning his first Classic crown. 

“All the guys who run the big races will be there this weekend so it should be good,” he said.

“You always go to win. Wherever you show up, you want to win a race.

“If you want to go out for a good time, you should go out on a boat.”

Hirst, who arrived in Australia on Thursday, will drive for Monte Motorsport.

The Perth team finalised preparations at local driver Jamie Veal’s property.

Hirst said he was excited to launch his Australian season.

“I love it. This is my fourth year coming, so it’s kind of becoming a routine, finish over at home and come over and do this,” he said.

“Warrnambool just has that same feel that Knoxville does at home.

“When you see that place during the Classic, with the people, it takes over the town almost. The prestige of the place and how cool it is when the Classic comes around is awesome.”