Chahda, 20, has been named as the third driver for Peter O’Donnell’s GWS Personnel-run BMW 335i, which will compete in Class D Improved Production cars.

Chahda, who has competed in go-karts, Formula Ford, V8 Utes and in last year’s Kumho Series driving a V8 Falcon, was both surprised and excited when he got the phone call.

His dad, ex-racer Amin, who owns Falcon Spares and Repairs, said the drive so early in the season would give Matthew valuable seat time in the lead up to this year’s Kumho Series.

“He is ecstatic. We have bought the ex-Britex EF Falcon for this year’s series which doesn’t kick off until April, so to get miles under his belt now is a bonus,” Amin Chahda said.

“Obviously his talent has not gone unnoticed. It’s a feather in his cap. We’re stoked.”

Chahda’s teammates are Kean Booker and O’Donnell.

This year’s event will see 44 cars competing in six classes start their trek up the mountain at 6.15am.

Brad Jones Racing’s Jason Bright and Dale Wood will also be on track, Bright at the wheel of an Audi R8, while Wood will be at the controls of a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Last year’s winning Erebus Motorsport Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 driven by the Schneider/Jaeger/Roloff combination is back to defend its title.