The Pontiac Firebird will make its return to the Paynter Dixon Touring Car Masters field this weekend at the Watpac Townsville 400.

The only car of its kind to race in the series, the Firebird has been bought by TCM rookie team Wellpro Racing for driver Rob Hackwood to race.

They will contest the rest of the season, having campaigned a Trans-Am Mustang in their only previous start in Adelaide earlier this year.

“Adelaide was a foot in the water for us with our Trans-Am car,” said Hackwood.

“We loved it, felt very welcome, so (we) decided to build a long-term program for TCM.”

The Firebird has run only part-time since debuting with Ian Palmer behind the wheel in 2015.

“The car is still a relatively new build so there’s a lot of potential for development which we’re excited about.

“Townsville is the best round to debut a new car at because most guys haven’t raced there before – so it’s a level playing field the first time we roll out onto the track.”

Steve Johnson leads the series from John Bowe ahead of Round 5.

TCM’s first round in Townsville kicks off with two 20-minute practice sessions on Friday.

VIDEO: Wellpro Racing unveils its Pontiac Firebird

Entry list: Round 5, Reid Park Street Circuit