The American star remains focused on taking the necessary steps to climb into classic calculations.

Hirst said he avoided adding pressure surrounding the race, instead preferring to take the race as it came.

“It’s just another race, we go racing and we’ll take it as it comes,” he said.

Hirst admitted he was thrilled to be back at Premier Speedway.

“We like being here, it’s one of the biggest races in Australia,” he said.

“We took it out two years ago and finished fourth last year. We’re looking for a quick start so we can get off on the right foot.

“We ran out at Avalon and Mount Gambier leading in but there wasn’t much else preparation. We just go racing.”

Hirst will resume his charge for the classic on Sunday night.