Following its inaugural success in 2023, the Young Guns Series will return to Melton Entertainment Park on Tuesday, December 31 with an elevated program to showcase Victorian harness racing’s brightest talent.

The 2024 Young Guns Series will be battled out by the state’s top 10 under-25 drivers based on wins this season to midnight November 30.

The 10 drivers will compete in eight ratings-exempt races throughout the course of the night, with a sliding points scale based on finishing positions used to declare an overall winner.

In addition to this, a repechage has been added for the next 10 drivers on the 2024 standings to ensure the entire meeting will be programmed penalty-free to support our stars of tomorrow.

HRV’s Drive for Life manager Jennifer Lewis said feedback from last year’s series and driver training sessions showed that young people wanted more opportunities to compete on the big stage.

“The inaugural Young Guns Series was such a resounding success, our young drivers quickly set their sights on being part of this year’s series,” Lewis said.

“In changing to the top 10 this year in place of the two 'wildcards' ensures a performance-based field whilst opening the opportunity for more drivers to compete in the repechage. It makes the entire night a celebration of the achievements of our young people.”

New Year’s Eve is a night which regularly attracts a large crowd to Melton Entertainment Park, with family activities and a fireworks display drawing 8000 to 10,000 patrons on track.

Last year's winner Ryan Sanderson will defend his title and is incredibly excited to battle it out with his peers.

“It all worked out for me luckily. I had some good fun, and all the drivers just loved the experience. We got to meet some new trainers and make some new connections also,” Sanderson said.

While patrons on track will enjoy a great night, those at home will be able to watch the action on Sky Racing, Sky Racing Active and TrotsVision.

The next generation will also play a part in the meeting, with the Pony Trots girls and boys to compete in front of the big crowd and also feature in the “presentation” of drivers.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2023 YOUNG GUNS SERIES

Australia’s winningest reinsman James Herbertson currently headlines the Victorian young drivers' tally ahead of Sanderson. Jordan Leedham, Luke Dunne, Ryan Backhouse, Lochie Cook and Ewa Justice have all but assured their spots, with an incredibly tight race for the remaining positions in the field.

The final field of drivers for the 2024 Young Guns Series will be announced on Monday, December 2. Prizes will also be presented over various categories, with an exciting announcement set to be revealed for the winner in the coming weeks.