A HALE storm has greeted the launch of the Tasmanian Carnivals Series with the announcement that the state’s teenage sprint sensation Jack Hale will run at Burnie on New Year’s Day.

Athletics Tasmania president Mike Gunson confirmed negotiations with the 16-year-old national record-holder had resulted in him agreeing to race the invitation backmarkers handicap over 120 metres at West Park.

The event will carry $2000 in prizemoney, including $1200 for the winner.

News of the Hobart sprinter’s first handicap race came on the day that the carnivals series was launched at Westbury.

Hale, who is being managed by Athletics Tasmania, ran the fastest 100m by an Australian male this year at the Australian all schools athletics championships in Adelaide with a wind-assisted 10.13 seconds.

He went on to claim the sprint double, posting 21.24 in the 200m final.

‘‘I would urge everyone who follows sport to go to West Park on New Year’s Day and watch this exceptional, phenomenal young sprinter show everyone just how good he really is,’’ Gunson said.

Burnie Athletic Club chairman Bruce Jackson added: ‘‘We are absolutely committed to bringing the Burnie Carnival back to its iconic status and being proactive and going after up and coming stars like Jack Hale, is part of that philosophy.

‘‘It took a bit of negotiating, but we finally got him and we couldn’t be happier.

‘‘People will be able to look back in the years ahead and remember the day they saw him race at West Park.’’

Part of the agreement hinged on how Hale pulled up after Adelaide and his appearance at Burnie will also be subject to any injury or training concerns.

Athletics Tasmania executive officer and board member Brian Roe said Hale’s main focus was next year’s junior world championships, which included the Australian junior championships in March as a qualifier.

‘‘Those two meets have to take priority and everything else will be worked in around them,’’ he said.

The teenager will race in Perth today at the Big 6 meet, run by the University of Western Australia, against Australia’s best junior sprinters, including under-16 boys’ 100m and 200m champion James Gallagher.

The Burnie Carnival will also see five-time world track cycling champion Jack Bobridge.

‘‘A pair of Jacks isn’t usually a winning hand in poker, but I reckon we’re on a winner here,’’ Jackson added.