At least eight overseas drivers are expected to face the green flag at Allansford's Premier Speedway, a far cry from three in 2008 and five this year.

Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said the line-up of Americans would become clearer in the next month but a big contingent was likely, possibly equalling the record of 10 in 2004 and '05.

"If we ran the race tomorrow I would confidently have eight and possibly a couple more," Mills said.

Familiar faces, including Shane Stewart, Randy Hannagan and Terry McCarl, are expected to contest the Classic.

Mills said the speculation included high-profile pair Jason Meyers, who was narrowly defeated by former Classic champ Donny Schatz for the World of Outlaws crown last weekend, and Craig Dollansky, who was seventh in the Outlaws.

Neither has raced at Premier Speedway.

Other names linked to the Classic include this year's debutant Wayne Johnson and Greg Wilson.

Mills said the annual speculation of 20-time World of Outlaws winner Steve Kinser and four-time champion Schatz racing had also resurfaced.

He said the final make-up of the US contingent relied on deals with Australian car owners.

Mills said changes to the controversial qualifying system may have contributed to renewed interest.

"Also being a qualifying race for the World Challenge race at Knoxville helps," he said.

"The Classic holds a fair bit of prestige and fascination for them because of the exposure to the fans here. Many of them don't like sitting there watching their rivals race for $15,000 or $16,000, they want to get out there and have a crack."

Premier Speedway's season opens with a low-key family day on Sunday afternoon.

Mills said junior sedans, Australian wingless sprints, street stocks, limited sportsman, open sedans and formula 500 classes would feature.

"We are kicking off with a day show and hopefully it will be the