Prepare for an electrifying spectacle! The 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour is gearing up to be an all-time classic, boasting an unprecedented lineup of talent, depth, and global racing powerhouses.
This year's entry list isn't just a collection of cars; it's a testament to the unrivaled prestige of the Bathurst 12 Hour. We're talking about a global gathering of the absolute best of the best in GT racing, and the final confirmations have only amplified the excitement.
Jamec Racing Team MPC is back with a formidable challenge for outright victory, fielding their Audi R8 LMS Ultra. This powerhouse team has assembled a dream driver lineup: current GT World Challenge Australia champion Brad Schumacher, the reigning Repco Supercars Champion Will Brown, and the incredibly skilled Audi ace and former 12-Hour podium finisher, Christopher Haase. This marks a significant moment as Audi celebrates its 15th consecutive appearance at Australia's International Enduro, a streak that began with their triumphant debut and victory in 2011.
But here's where it gets truly competitive: the Professional class alone features an astonishing 15 entries and a fierce battle among eight different brands vying for outright glory. And that's before we even consider the other categories where drivers are also aiming for overall success alongside their class wins!
ENTRY LIST HIGHLIGHTS THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS:
- A staggering 115 drivers from 22 different nationalities are set to compete.
- 12 prestigious brands are represented on the grid.
- Prepare for a masterclass from 9 former Bathurst 12 Hour winners, accumulating a remarkable 15 race victories.
- Witness the last two Repco Supercars Champions go head-to-head.
- The 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion is on the hunt.
- The 2025 GT World Challenge Australia Champion is ready to prove their mettle.
- Champions from the 2025 IMSA GTP, GTD, and GTD Pro series are making their mark.
- Winners of the grueling 2025 24 Hours of Spa and Nürburgring classics are bringing their winning pedigree to Bathurst.
In total, 35 incredible machines will battle it out across a variety of thrilling categories: Pro, Pro-Am, Silver, Bronze, GT4, and Invitational. This diverse field ensures a race packed with action for every type of motorsport fan.
The driver roster is nothing short of legendary. Among the 115 competitors representing 22 nations, we have nine previous Bathurst 12 Hour champions who have collectively secured 15 victories. This includes the formidable 2025 champions Augusto Farfus and Kelvin van der Linde, and at least one victor from each of the past six races. It’s a true testament to the race's global appeal!
12 distinct brands will be present, with 10 of them competing in the elite GT3 category. A particularly exciting development is the debut of Ford and Chevrolet in the outright category, and the triumphant return of McLaren to GT3 competition for the first time since 2020. This shake-up promises unpredictable racing!
And this is the part most people miss: the sheer star power on display. Returning to vie for the coveted Allan Simonsen Pole Award are titans like Chaz Mostert, Raffaele Marciello, Matt Campbell, Lucas Auer, and Maro Engel. MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi is back for his third attempt to conquer the legendary Mount Panorama, aiming to go one better after a stellar runner-up finish last year. Adding a unique family legacy to the event, the Quinn family will make history with Grandfather Tony, sons Kent and Klark, and grandson Ryder all competing together in an Audi R8 – a true family affair on the world stage!
Furthermore, over a quarter of the current Repco Supercars Championship grid will be present, including the reigning champion Chaz Mostert. He'll be joined by 7 of the top 10 drivers who competed in last year's inaugural Repco Supercars Championship Finals Series. This impressive group includes Will Brown, Broc Feeney, Kai Allen, Cameron Waters, Ryan Wood, and Thomas Randle, showcasing the incredible talent pool from Australian motorsport.
The global GT racing elite are also descending upon Bathurst. Expect to see 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge champion Kelvin van der Linde and the top 7 finishers from the world's premier GT3 championship, for which Bathurst serves as the thrilling opening round.
Adding to the international flavor, 2025 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps winner Jordan Pepper returns, having last competed in 2020 as part of a winning Bentley team. The esteemed 2025 24 Hours of Nürburgring winners – Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, and Kelvin van der Linde – are also bringing their championship-winning experience to the Mountain.
Two-time 12-Hour champion and 2025 IMSA Sports Car Championship GTP Champion, Matt Campbell, is back with a clear goal: a third victory. He's joined by fellow 2025 IMSA title winners Alex Sims (GTD Pro) and Philip Ellis (GTD), proudly representing the highly competitive US-based Sports Car series.
And let's not forget our local hero, Brad Schumacher, who will be aiming to add an outright Bathurst 12 Hour victory to his GT World Challenge Australia title, a championship he clinched in dramatic fashion last year.
This is more than just a race; it's a celebration of motorsport excellence. With such an incredible array of talent and machinery, the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour is poised to be an unforgettable event. Which driver or team are you most excited to see compete for victory? Let us know in the comments below – do you think this lineup is truly the 'best of the best' ever assembled for Bathurst?
