Some have even likened him to a young Herb Elliott.

His name is Ryan Gregson, and Newcastle athletics fans will get a chance to see track and field's next big thing in action at the inaugural Hunter Track Classic at Glendale on February 6.

The Wollongong whiz-kid heads a class 800-metres field in Newcastle.

Coached by Nic Bideau, who guided Cathy Freeman to Olympic gold and Mottram to international stardom, Gregson represented Australian in the 1500m at the world championships last year at just 19.

"Gregson is faster than Craig Mottram over the short distance and is probably most like Herb Elliott," Bideau said. "The scary thing is he was good 12 months ago, but he is fitter and stronger now than he was back then."

Despite his growing reputation, Gregson will not have everything his own way in Newcastle.

Four-time national champion Nick Bromley and outstanding Sydney youngster James Kaan, who finished eighth in the 800m at the 2008 junior worlds, have also entered with a view to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi this year.

"The 800m at Newcastle will determine whether these three guys continue to focus on 800m or move up to the 1500m for the Commonwealth Games," Bideau said.

Gregson is one of several athletes competing from Bideau's stable of stars.

"I want this event to succeed," Bideau said. "Capital cities are often spoilt with these kind of events, but in a place like Newcastle they generate a different level of excitement.

"The whole community gets behind the event and it leaves a lasting impression with the next generation of athletes. Our next Cathy Freeman is likely to come from a place like Newcastle rather than a capital city."

The men's 3000m will provide a strong hit-out for three of Australia's in-form distance men Youcef Abdi, Mitch Kealey and Ben St Lawrence.

Born in Algeria, Abdi is a naturalised Australian and finished sixth in the 3000m steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.

Queenslander Kealey ran the 1500m in Beijing and is out to build his base by racing his first 3000m in Newcastle.

St Lawrence has already qualified for the 10,000m in Dehli after placing second at the national championship in December and is running the 3000m in Newcastle to get ready for a series of 5000m races.