Juniors and seniors will compete for series honours under the new format, which has drawn a quality field despite the absence of several local stars who are riding in the UK, including last year’s winner Sam Masters from Newcastle. 

Sydney-based rider Kieran Sproule is one of the leading lights for Saturday afternoon’s meeting and he will be aiming to atone for his lack of high-level success at Kurri Kurri in the past. 

Sproule has shown he can mix it with the best, but just hasn’t been able to find that bit extra to stamp his authority. That real point of success has been hampered by either race falls or mechanical problems at the venue.

He is regarded by critics as one of the best prepared and dedicated riders on the speedway solo circuit and this year he is out to prove once and for all that he can make it to the top. 

Following the success of the inaugural series last year, event director, Tim Heffernan has included seven venues and three states in this year’s 10-round series.

“I was really happy with the response from riders and from their feedback I have arranged to take the series to Queensland and Victoria this year,” Heffernan said. 

“It will be a challenge for everyone involved but with no challenge, the riders and officials have nothing to strive for.”

Another innovative element of the series is the inclusion of the junior 250cc solo division. 

The most innovative aspect of including the juniors is that they have the opportunity to be the overall series champion. 

The highest point scorer from either the senior solo division or the junior solo ­division will be crowned the 2014 Winter Series Grand Champion. 

The opening round of the series will be held at Kurri Kurri Speedway this Saturday, with racing to start at 12.30pm following rider briefing.

Kurri Kurri Speedway will host the last two rounds of the series as back-to-back race meetings on October 4-5.