It will mark James' third time competing in his prestigious hometown event while Jarred will be stepping up into the senior competition for the first time, after recently turning 16.

Chapman, who claimed a national title in the Pro 250cc division at the Australian Dirt Track Championships earlier this month, heads into the Akubra Classic as one of the favourites.

The 19-year-old admitted it would be a special feeling to claim the title of the biggest motor cross event in his hometown.

"It would be so good, it's hard to explain how much it would mean to me," Chapman told the Argus.

"It's a big event on the calendar and the Akubra Classic being my hometown event makes me even more determined to win."

Chapman has finished in fourth place in the final over the past two years but this time, his eyes are firmly on finishing first.

"I am feeling very confident I will be able to win," Chapman said.

"I plan to take it easy in the heats and not push too hard and then I will step it up in the final."

Meanwhile Loveday also has his eyes on becoming an Akubra Classic champion, as he looks to spoil Chapman's party.

"I will be in it to win it but I would be just wrapped to make the final," Loveday said.

"I need to be consistent and work hard in the heats and give myself the best shot of making the final.

"I am looking forward to my first Akubra Classic and the experience I will get out of it."

The top 10 riders based on points will advance from the heats into the final and two more riders, who win the repechage, will join them.

Junior Sonny Spurgin will compete on his KTM 50 in the demo division. The seven-year-old will step up into division two next year.

The riders expressed their gratitude to their sponsors and in particular Col's Motorcycles for their support and to the track staff and organisers for their hard work in preparing for the annual event.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.

Also making the news: