ACE Queensland reinsman Pete McMullen hopes to reclaim his former title when he heads to Globe Derby on Saturday night.
One of two Sunshine State representatives in the Australian Drivers’ Championship, McMullen captured the inaugural edition in 2014.
Missing the following year’s running in Tasmania, McMullen ventured back to South Australia in 2016, but was void of luck as local reinsman Wayne Hill took top honours.
“I am looking forward to getting back there,” McMullen said. “I’m definitely hoping to claim the title back and return it to Queensland."
McMullen sits third in the 2018/19 Queenslasnd State Drivers' Premiership, after claiming his first metropolitan title in 17/18.
McMullen was the youngest Australian driver to reach 1000 wins and is no stranger to drivers championships and invitationals. Most recently he won the 2018 Horsham Invitation Drivers Championship in March.
“These kinds of events are always great to be a part of as you catch up with drivers you haven’t seen in a while," McMullen said.
“We have a bit of fun with it during the night, but on the track it always gets pretty serious.
“The locals (in Adelaide) have got an advantage as they know the horses and the form, but in saying that, when you get a great bunch of drivers together you have to respect them all.”
McMullen has driven in 11,241 starts for 1,665 wins and 2,806 placings.
He'll be joined in the series by Kiwi-turned-Queenslander Adam Sanderson, who will represent the Sunshine State for the first time.
He currently sits sixth in the statewide premiership and cracked his first 100-win season in 2017/18.
Sanderson's major wins include the 2013 Group 2 Nursery Pace 3YO Fillies Final and, back-to-back Redcliffe Gold Cups in 2016 and 2017.