There is some truly fantastic racing at Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway over two nights of the Australian Day weekend - Saturday and Sunday.

The Mr Modified Series Grand Final which carries points as round two of the Five Star tournament, is going to be something special and it's also a very significant weekend for the AMCA Nationals Sedans.

Britten leads the 22 V8 Dirt Modified drivers bound for Lismore

Eighteen drivers, nine from NSW and nine from Queensland, have nominated at time of publication for the annual running of the Northern Rivers Classic over both nights.

The initial race date, Saturday, January 25, will feature preliminary heats and a feature race, before the following evening when the remainder of the heats will be decided, which will determine the qualifiers for the Northern Rivers Classic.

The event, which is supported by the local Snap-On Tools franchise outlet, has attracted drivers from Queensland as well as the top AMCA competitors from NSW.

Darren Miller leads the AMCA Nations Northern Rivers with Mitchell Nowlan and Shane Newstead breathing down his neck. Newstead won the race at Lismore Speedway on Boxing Day pushing Miller into third. Graeme Holland finished second.

The entrants are from New South Wales: Jim Knight, Darren Miller, Shane Newstead, Mitchell Nowlan, Lewis Gamble, Tim Gamblin, Peter Markulin, Mark Chiplin and Paul Reeves. From Queensland: Steve Price, Brett Robotham, Ben Manson, Graeme Holland, Troy Price, Stephen Ward, Thomas Vickery, Rob Kynaston and Stuart Jeffries.

Rain brings bumper two-day Australia Day weekend racing at Lismore Speedway

Wingless Sprintcars are also programmed and their main events over the weekend carry points in the BH Contracting sponsored Driver to America series.

The other support divisions on the variety race card are Production Sedans, Junior Sedans, National Fours Sedans and Street Stocks.

Gates open at 4pm and racing commences at 5:30pm on both nights.

Four times and current Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Kevin Britten will be worth the price of admission to Lismore Speedway on his own.

Four times and current Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Kevin Britten returns to Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway for the Australia Day double header.

Britten, 26, has concentrated his tough racing schedule on national events over the past few seasons in between his American visits.

He enters the Lismore Showground arena fresh from his recent state title success at the Grafton Speedway which has given him a prominent spot in the point standings of the national Five Star Series. 

The Mr Modified Series grand final also carries points as round two of the Five Star tournament following Grafton and Britten is keen to continue his strong start to the series.

He says he is looking forward to the challenge that awaits at Lismore.

“It's definitely going to be a hard night's racing, that's for sure and certain,” he said as he added the finishes tough to the preparation of his American factory built Troyer V8 Dirt Modified.

The Lismore circuit, with its circular shape and tight confines, is far removed from some of the tracks he has visited in America. 

“Lismore is definitely a physical track and it takes a toll on your body as you're virtually continually in a circle. It's a real driver's track, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Britten is the most successful V8 Dirt Modified driver in Australia courtesy of his record setting, history making four straight National Championships.

Race officials have received a very strong entry list for the two major title events for V8 Dirt Modifieds that will be held over the January 25 and 26 meetings – the Grand Final of the Mr Modified Series and the Australia Day Cup.

Entrants for the V8 Dirt Modifieds on Saturday event are: Kevin Britten. Phil Roberts, Mark Robinson, Sam Bruggy, Lee Gorton, Chris Polsen, Andrew Pezzutti, Trent Scofield, Klinton Hancey, Brayd Stephenson, Chris Corbett, Andrew Firth, Zac McDonald, Josh Rose, Paul Booker, Trevor Wiley, Tony Dunn. Mark Connolly, Ash Hall, Mitch Randall, Tim Luscombe amd Marley Weller.

ARTICLE BY DENNIS NEWLYN