With 14 years between drinks for Tasmanian rally rev-heads, last year's event was welcomed with open arms as 5000 people turned out for the Inveresk Super Special in Launceston, majorly exceeding event spokesman David Waldon's expectations.

"Last year we expected 1500 and got 5000 and we've upped the ante even more this year," Waldon said.

"We have twice as many food vendors and are starting the event an hour earlier as well and it's just easy access for people to look at some of these incredible cars.

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"We will have demonstrations from performance and cars driving around the track from 4 o'clock so people can have a look while they filter in for the 5pm competition start."

With the Tasmanian round of the national competition the third to be held this year, the 800-metre spectator-friendly rumble at Inveresk kicks the event off on Friday with Saturday and Sunday action set for regional forest areas of the state.

Current Australian Rally Championship leaders Harry Bates and John McCarthy have picked up victories in both previous rounds, held in Western Australia and Canberra, and are expected to be at the top of the pecking order come Sunday night.

Sitting 44 championship points in arrears of Bates and McCarthy, the combination of Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read are hungry for success after a fourth and a second placing in their Subaru WRX in the previous two rounds.

The top two championship-leading pairings are the main favourites for the event but Waldon said there are a number of other drivers that certainly have other ideas.

"Lewis Bates is also one to look out for in the same type of car as his brother and he's proven to be just as quick at times.

"The biggest threat to them all is multiple Australian champion Simon Evans.

"He's like the cat among the pigeons in that he's been off racing SxS vehicles across the country and whilst not focusing on rally, is a strong competitor for Les Walkden's team."

As the national competition graces the state, several of Tasmania's top talents are taking the opportunity to test themselves out against the best with three combinations entered in both the Australian and Tasmanian rally championships races for the weekend.

Timothy Auty and John Mitchell, who are leading the Tasmanian Rally Championship, will dip their toes into nationwide waters with the combinations of Bodie Reading and Mark Young and Mark Butcher and Warren Phillip-Clarke also looking to impress against the best that Australia has to offer.

After the planned second round of the Tasmanian championship was cancelled, this weekend's event gives drivers the chance to catch up to the experienced Auty, who also produced strong results during last year's state titles by winning the round four event at Rocky Cape.

5:05pm - Inveresk Super Special (800m)

Festivities getting underway from 4pm.

8:20am - Mt Barrow 1 (15.29km)

9:01 - Mt Scott 1 (19.04km)

9:44 - Myrtle Bank 1 (4.31km)

10:04 - Sideling Range 1 (11.64km)

10:34 - Lisle 1 (11.57km)

1:25pm - Mt Barrow 2 (15.29km)

2:06 - Mt Scott 2 (19.04km)

2:49 - Myrtle Bank 2 (4.31km)

3:09 - Sideling Range 2 (11.64km)

3:39 - Lisle 2 (11.57km)

8:21am - South Retreat 1 (12.57km)

8:45 - North Retreat 1 (12.47km)

9:36 - Lonestar Ridge 1 (23.76km)

12:47pm - South Retreat 2 (12.57km)

1:11 - North Retreat 2 (12.47km)

2:02 - Lonestar Ridge 2 (23.76km)