The Warrnambool driver is expected to avoid overloading his racing schedule this season.

Instead, McCullagh is loading up for a tilt at A-main success at the South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.

The former Brauer College student is hoping a third-place finish in the Victorian Open Sprintcar Title in mid-November will lay the platform for more success.

He identified the classic as his number one priority.

“I feel it’s the number one race in Australia and even throughout the world,” McCullagh told The Standard.

“It’s right in my backyard and making the A-main is my top goal. We’ve had a good start to the year and we’re just hoping to get to the big dance (the classic).”

McCullagh revealed confidence in his car was at an all-time high.

Frequent gym work was also paying dividends for his physical and mental fitness.

“We’re getting smarter with how to improve the car,” McCullagh said.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work out at Warrnambool 24/7 and I think fitness has played a big part for me.

“I’ve mainly been working on strength and doing a bit of work in the high altitude room. It sort of emulates the racing environment.

“I’m nowhere near I’d like to be with my fitness but it’s getting there.”

McCullagh missed a transfer to the classic A-Main by just one spot last season.

Meanwhile, American Travis Rilat and Australian based car-owner Phil Seymour will again join forces for the 2018 classic, with extra horsepower under the hood.

South Australian Brad Keller has also nominated.