Boardley has been the world champion in oval racing's elite class for the past three years and currently also holds the European, National and English titles as well.

It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the tight confines of the County Antrim venue as he strives to capture the title currently held by Dungannon's Keith Martin.

Joining Boardley on the trip from the mainland will be the 2007 World and European number two Chris Haird, from Cambridgeshire, along with veteran racers Dick Hillard and Hughie Weaver.

Stu Carter will also be racing, along with Andy Holtby and young Scottish charger Wullie Hardie who, of course, knows the track well, having been a regular 2.0 Hot Rodder a few seasons back.

A contingent from the Republic of Ireland is also expected for the big showdown which should include quality drivers Des Cooney, James O'Shea and Tom Casey, to name just three.

The local drivers will be keen to keep the coveted Irish Open title on home soil and quite a number will harbour hopes of the win.

Current British and NI champion Stewart Doak, from Portadown, has been in good form lately, having won the final at the last home meeting, while fellow Portadown man Gary Woolsey is never one to discount and currently heads the points standings in Ulster.

Reigning Stock Rod world champion Glenn Bell will be competing in his first weekend of championship action in the Nationals and will surely attract quite a bit of attention, while Crumlin's John Christie will be aiming to grab the title that his father Ormond won on five occasions.

Other locals aiming for success will be Portadown's Mark Heatrick, Kells racer Ronnie McMillan and Antrim's Tommy Maxwell, to name a few.

It certainly has all the ingredients for an action-packed afternoon of top quality race action from the fastest cars on the ovals, and support action will be provided by the 2.0 Hot Rods, Lightning Rods and Junior Productions. First race gets underway at 2.30pm.

For more information, visit www.nuttscorneroval.com