SOME English influence will headline the show at the Kerribee Park Speedway in Mareeba tonight in what looks their biggest meet of the year.

Three of the world's most promising solo riders, one a teammate of Australian world champion Chris Holder, are in the country on a scholarship program and will compete against current and ex-Queensland champions plus the best Queensland can muster.

Kyle Newman and Kyle Howarth are both members of the Great Britain under-21 world team, while 16-year-old New Zealander Hayden Sims will make his first Australian appearance on a 500cc bike.

Townsville's Matthew Pilcher, whose father Keith was a regular at the Edmonton Speedway in the 1970s and 80s, should also be competitive, while veteran Roy Stout is expected to handle the tricky conditions with ease.

Not since the mid 1990s has there been international riders of this calibre compete in Far North Queensland and organisers hope the new track holds up well.

Cairns Speedway Riders Association secretary Peter Valmadre said a good meet would help them convince the sport's decision makers that the Mareeba track could host an Australian v United Kingdom Test next year.

Juniors and seniors will be riding, solos (in GP style format), sidecars, motocross bikes and quads will feature in more than 70 races at the Springs Road circuit.

Gates open at noon today, with racing from 5pm. Adults $15, pensioners and students $10, children under 15 free.

Meanwhile, Scott Bowe is expected to be one of the last men standing when the demolition derby grinds to a halt at Cairns International Speedway tonight.

An 18-derby veteran and three-time winner, Bowe has the reputation of being among the best in Cairns' demolition derby circles.

But with that reputation comes a target and there will be 10 other drivers trying to get rid of Bowe -- and early.

"I like to hang back a bit and let them sort themselves out," Bowe said. world of demo derby.

"It's basically a 15-minute car crash, so it's a matter of luck."

Racing starts at Cairns International Speedway at 6pm. The derby is expected to start at around 9pm.

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