The 2016-17 series runner-up said he is again upping his racing travel commitments and is set to compete at meets in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, on top of his busy Victorian schedule.

He already has a headstart on his season after taking out the the Northern Territory title at Darwin in August.

“I’ve done five more races than everyone else around here,” Van Ginneken said.

“We’re going to do 33 shows. Last year, we did 30.

“Last year, we nearly doubled our schedule – we’d only done between 15 and 18 shows in the two years before that.”

Although he will miss the opening two rounds, Van Ginneken is not holding back with his ambitions for 2017-18, upping his personal goals.

“We just want to make the A mains, (but) last year, we were aiming top 10 all the time.

“This year, we’re aiming for top five.”

Van Ginneken made the most of his opportunities last year, despite car troubles and illness, finishing second in the state series, just nine points behind winner Brett Milburn.

He is tipping Milburn to again be one of the drivers to beat, along with up-and-comer Brayden Parr, who finished fourth last season.

Van Ginneken said fellow Allansford driver Jacob Smith is also planning on competing at every round of the SRA series this season.

A host of south-west drivers have nominated for the opening round of the SRA series at Avalon Raceway on Saturday, including Jamie Veal, Peter Doukas, Jye O’Keeffe, Dave Murcott and Carly Walsh.

The series will then head to Moama’s Heartland Raceway, before making its way to Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway in early November.

Van Ginneken, who also competes in the World Series Sprintcars, said he was looking forward to competing at Murray Bridge this season.

“This year, we’re doing four at Murray Bridge,” he said. “I’m trying to race different cars.

“Our ultimate dream will be running in American in August next year at Ohio Speedweek.”