Matthews launches his campaign in a rebuilt car in the opening round at Avalon tonight.

He said the chassis was basically the only remaining component from last season's vehicle.

Ballarat's only representative in the series has had his engine freshened up in Brisbane and installed a new shock-absorbers package in a bid to find an extra edge and climb up the standings.

Matthews finished sixth last season, but did get as high as third several years ago and is determined to return to the top bracket.

Although this will be his first outing for 2009-10, Matthews did drive for Kalgoorlie's Scott Milling in Darwin in the off-season.

The Eureka Sprintcar Series will be contested over 12 rounds and carry more than $240,000 in prizemoney and other benefits.

The series winner will get $10,000, while drivers who finish in the top 10 will go into a draw for a quad bike valued at more than $16,000.

The series returns to Buninyong's Redline Raceway this season, with the last round at the venue on March 27.