BRADY Kurtz is tomorrow morning due to launch his defence of the Australian Senior Solo Championship – but fellow Pirates asset Davey Watt is the man in form.

A surprise winner in his debut series 12 months ago, youngster Kurtz faces a tricky task to match that impressive achievement.

Although Grand Prix stars Chris Holder and Jason Doyle are absent having opted out, the likes of Sam Masters, Max Fricke and new Poole recruit Jack Holder – the reigning Aussie under-21 champion – are likely to provide tough opposition.

Watt heads into the opening round at Adelaide track Gillman with his confidence on the up following a third-place finish behind Troy Batchelor and Justin Sedgmen in the South Australia Championship at the same venue today.

The Rye House new boy, who turns 39 on Friday, last week triumphed in the Jason Lyons Trophy at Mildura's Olympic Park circuit.

It was a welcome boost for Queenslander Watt, who endured ill-fated spells with Poole and Leicester in the Elite League last season.

The second round of the Australian Championship takes place at Mildura on Saturday, with further meetings at Undera and Kurri Kurri following on Wednesday, January 11 and Saturday, January 14, respectively.

Line-up: Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters, Max Fricke, Rohan Tungate, Todd Kurtz, Jordan Stewart, Troy Batchelor, Nick Morris, Justin Sedgmen, Jack Holder, Mason Campton, Davey Watt, Ty Proctor, Jaimon Lidsey, Cooper Riordan, Josh Pickering.