"It's the best line up of big name heavies we have attrac- ted in the history of the Sept- ember Classic," Upper Hawk- esbury Powerboat Club Com- modore Geoff Bollins said.

The two day regatta at Gov- ernor Phillip Park is certain to see distance records topple as Tasmanian aces Chris Pal- mer and Jason Bielman plan to terrorise the timekeepers.

The Tassie duo hit the mainland with boats considered 'untouchable' by the experts - although Victorian champion Brett Shepherd doesn't agree.

He has won the Classic for the past two years and will be chasing an elusive hat-trick in Unleashed.

"I hate predicting what I might do," Shepherd said.

"I've been beaten once or twice, but our record here at Windsor shows we are on a roll and I want to keep it that way."

South Australia has two wor- thy representatives in Trevor Stanley and David Clarke, who are in top form, while the sentimental favourite Brian McCosker will need to turn back a run of outs faster than a roulette wheel in order to strike any fear into the hearts of his rivals.

The 62yo won the Classic three years ago and was nigh untouchable, but a string of engine problems has him feeling a little vunerable.

"Brian has been terrific for the sport and I'd love to see him get the monkey off his back," Bollins said.

The racing on Saturday and Sunday will start at 9am, with a free pop concert to follow Saturday's semi finals.

Daily admission is $20 with juniors 12-15 $10 and kids up to 11 free.

Left: Victorian dynamo Brett Shepherd will return with Unleashed to try and win a third consecutive September Spectacular on the weekend.