But the Illowa-based Formula 500 racer is "as confident as I have been all year" as he gears up to chase a second Australian Formula 500 title on Friday and Saturday at the south-west circuit.

"It's my least favourite racetrack but we ran there two weeks ago and it has given me as much confidence as I have ever had going to Simpson," the 27-year-old motorbike mechanic said.

"We needed to work on a few things and to get it (the car) better again for this week."

Willsher, who returned to racing last season after a two-year hiatus, finished fifth at Simpson's last meeting and is riding some good form after also placing fifth in his grandfather's race - the Jack Willsher Cup.

At the 2018 Australia titles in Darwin he finished fourth and the following year he crossed the line sixth.

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This year Willsher highlighted his close friend and Queensland-based racer Liam Williams as a threat to his chances of victory.

Willsher said the banter had been flowing with Williams eager to remind his mate about his four Australian titles.

Tim Rankin is another the Nirranda premiership footballer named as one of his biggest challenges heading into the titles.

The Simpson-based racer took out this year's Jack Willsher Cup and will be racing on his home track.

Josh Buckingham is returning to defend the Australian title crown he won at Goulburn Speedway.

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