With the fourth round of the Australian Superbike Championship coming up from September 4-6, the Hobart rider said taking on the nation’s best in his own backyard gives him a buzz.

‘‘It’s always good to race at home in front of a big crowd and have your support there from friends and family,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s always exciting to have the best riders down to compete against – it has been quite a few years since I have been able to compete against the top-level riders, so I am really looking forward to it.

‘‘It’s very important being a national championship that it makes its way around to all of the states – it is expensive going to Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, but I think to have a proper Australian championship you do need to go to those places.’’

No stranger to the ASBK Championship, Simmonds brings significant experience at the top level as he looks to take it up to the series leaders.

‘‘Many years ago I raced at the top level and have been riding 1000’s for the past couple of years in Tassie.

‘‘I competed in the 2012 Victorian road race championship where I won the open class and came second in the Superbike pro-stock class.

‘‘The plan is to be in the top five at least – that’s certainly what we will be aiming for.’’

Simmonds will be riding a Yamaha R1, which will provide a challenge given his limited preparation time on the machine.

‘‘We have just got the new 2015 R1 and we will probably contest a few of the rounds next year, so this will be a good battle.

‘‘I have had a couple of rides on it and we are still trying to sort the thing out, but I am hopeful that I will be able to match these guys and push for the win.’’

The schedule for the round will feature Superbikes, Supersport and Moto3/125GP as well as production classes and will showcase a Clubman Challenge, featuring Historics (Period 5 and 6) and Formula 3 action.

FAST FACTS

WHAT: Australian Superbike Championship Round 4.

WHERE: Symmons Plains

WHEN: September 4-6 (from 9am).

HOW MUCH: Adult $20 per day (Saturday and Sunday), concession $10, under-15s free.