Returning to the Australian Muscle Car Masters event for the third straight year, the Kumho Series will be without current leader, Jack Smith, when it tackles three races at the Western Sydney venue this weekend.

The Brad Jones Racing driver was never scheduled to contest the third round of the championship due to existing commitments – despite leading the standings by 23 points over fellow young-gun Everingham.

With Smith expected to return for the final two rounds of the championship at Queensland Raceway and The Bend Motorsport Park, this weekend presents a sensational opportunity for those in pursuit to build a margin before the defending champion returns.

MW Motorsport’s dynamic duo of teenagers Everingham and Zak Best have starred this year and are the two most likely to fill the big shoes Smith leaves open this weekend.

The pair have both been on the podium on two occasions this season: Best second in the Phillip Island season opener and third last time out at Winton.

Everingham, meanwhile, was third at the Island and second at Winton leaving them split by just two points in the championship standings.

Everingham scored his maiden Kumho series race victory at Winton, while Best was a winner at Phillip Island after Smith was penalised post-race two.

Though both are Kumho Series rookies at Sydney Motorsport Park, they are not without experience at the venue and will pose the biggest threat to Smith’s points lead.

His experience behind the wheel and an incredibly level head will help Everingham this weekend, where no doubt some drivers would be overawed by the chance to take first spot.

“But it’s sort of another race. You’ve just got to go again,” Everingham said after his debut win, an example of his maturity.

Qualifying starts on Saturday morning with the two races being contested on Sunday.