Jackson, who won the event in 2014, and another young star Michael Stewart are among the contenders.

Stewart is in the middle of his fourth season of speedcar racing and was runner-up at Nowra two years ago, hoping to finish one position better.

He said the chance to take on Australia’s top raceway drivers has lifted his ability behind the wheel.

“I think racing with the best and getting more exposure with race competition certainly helps with my overall experience at this level of speedcar racing,” Michael said.

Jackson first donned a race helmet aged seven, starting in go-karting, entered the speedcar division in 2009 and soon after captured the NSW Silver Cup B-Grade Championship.

He later won the Sydney Speedcar Track Championship and has also competed in America.

“The presence of both Michael and Matt will add plenty to the 2016 AGP,” a spokesman from the NSW Association said.

“Both are fine prospects and capable young drivers who can run wheel to wheel with the best of 'em.

“They will certainly be competitive and I know they will give the AGP their best shot.”

A new winner of the AGP will be crowned Saturday night regardless of the result.

Defending champion Mark Brown was involved in a spectacular crash at Sydney Speedway last weekend and is recovering in Royal North Shore Hospital.