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The series features purpose-built racing machines with lightweight bodywork and six-litre, 700hp V8 engines, producing sub-V8 Supercar laptimes.

In 2008, a five-round calendar with the Shannons Nationals will continue the history of the national series - which dates back to 1976 and has been won by the likes of Allan Moffat, Allan Grice and Frank Gardner.

It kicks off with the series paying tribute to South Australian motorsport icon and current Mallala owner Clem Smith, himself a former Sports Sedan racer.

The 15-lap Race Two on Sunday will be for the Clem Smith Cup, with $5,000 in prize money also up for grabs.

Last year, Tony Ricciardello took out the inaugural prize, en-route to a sixth Australian Sports Sedan title in his Chev-powered Alfa Romeo.

"Clem has made such a massive contribution to South Australian motorsport, so to win the inaugural Clem Smith Cup was a privilege," Ricciardello said.

"2007 was one of the better seasons we've had and winning the championship was very satisfying.

"This year there are a number of new cars and drivers coming in, but we'll be working hard to make it title number seven."

2005 champion Darren Hossack is expected to be among his closest challengers, behind the wheel of a new Audi A4 he debuted late last year.

With significant development since, Hossack set a new Sports Sedan lap record at Melbourne's Sandown Raceway in March at a state-level event.

Hossack's Audi won't be the only new beast in the class, with two Trans Am cars joining the field from New Zealand.

Experienced Australian ace Luke Youlden will race an ex-Bernie Gillon Ford Mustang, with Gillon himself returning to the series aboard a recently-purchased XJS Jaguar.

Youlden, who will line-up with Ford Performance Racing in this year's V8 Supercar endurance events, has raced the car in New Zealand in recent years.

"I'm looking forward to it; the Mustang is a lot of fun to drive, with 730hp, big tyres and plenty of grip," he enthused.

"We've won a lot of races in New Zealand over the last couple of years, and set sedan lap records at most tracks.

"We're not sure how it will compare with the front-running Australian cars, but part of coming over here is the challenge of running against tough competition, which we're looking forward to."

A dark horse could be four-time series champion Kerry Baily, who finished third in 2007 driving his Nissan 300ZX and has received setup guidance from two-time Australian Touring Car Champion Glenn Seton.

A 15-car field is expected for the three Kerrick Australian Sports Sedans races including Race Two on Sunday for the Clem Smith Cup.

Also on the card at Mallala is the Tankworld Australian Supertruck Nationals, Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 Championship, the Ironfarmers HQ Series and an eight-driver Drift battle.

Next weekend will also feature the debut of two new categories - the Shannons V8 Touring Car Series and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge.

After practice and qualifying, racing starts at 3:40pm on Saturday, going through until early evening with a one-hour HQ twilight race, before a full program of races on Sunday.

Tickets are great value at $15 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday, or $35 for a weekend pass, with grandstand seating and kids under 14 free all weekend.

For more information about the 2008 Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships, visit www.thenationals.com.au.