Steven Lines has staked his claim for a third Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic title, which starts this evening in Warrnambool, with victory in the King’s Challenge.

The Classic will begin in scorching conditions at Premier Speedway, with the stacked entry of 111 cars split into two across tonight and tomorrow.

The top 96 qualifiers make it through to Sunday’s showcase evening of finals.

Former Classic winners Kerry Madsen, Jamie Veal, Brooke Tatnell, Garry Brazier, Max Dumesny and American Tim Kaeding headline night one action.

McFadden’s title defence begins tomorrow along with the likes of Lines, Ian Madsen, and former Knoxville Nationals champion Jason Johnson.

Madsen is the favourite to win a fourth Classic title after a stellar summer.

Lines, however, will take great confidence ahead of the event’s 46th running having dominated the final warm-up event at Mount Gambier’s Borderline Speedway.

The South Australian had his team sold to new owners in December but put aside the turbulence of the last month to lead all 30 laps, having started from pole.

Defending Classic champion James McFadden and American Carson Macedo completed the podium.