The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will enter a 30-plus car field for the first time in six years at Australia’s International Endurance race on 13-15 February early next year.
The event’s largest grid to tackle the around-the-clock race on Mount Panorama since 2020, when 34 cars started, the Bathurst 12 Hour’s entry list has been bolstered by the first car confirmed in the Invitational class for 2026.
David Crampton’s popular Vantage Racing squad will return next year to defend their hard-earned victory from earlier this year, with their popular KTM X-Bow GT2 which scored a class win in 2025.
Crampton will be joined by regular copilots Glen Wood and Trent Harrison for their return bout and bid for a Bathurst double this year, prepared by GWR Australia.
Entries have been received from overseas and Australia in the outright GT3 category and the Pro, Silver, Pro-Am and Bronze sub-classes within it.
GT4 entries have also been lodged, ensuring the field will be one of the most diverse in years.
More than 10 different brands are expected to compete in 2026.
Motorsport Australia General Manager of Motorsport Operations David Stuart stated the Bathurst 12 Hour’s attention from teams and competitors internationally is a testament to the event’s reputation on the world stage.
“Reaching a 30-plus car grid for the first time in six years is a huge milestone for the Bathurst 12 Hour. It shows the strength of the event and the passion teams from around the world have for taking on Mount Panorama,” Stuart said.
“With new brands, returning champions and a truly international entry list, the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour is shaping up as one of the most diverse and competitive editions we’ve ever seen.”
Eight GT3 brands are already represented with Corvette set to make their 12-Hour debut in the C8.R GT3 car come February.
Former winners BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini and Ferrari are all confirmed with their current-specification GT3 machinery.
McLaren will return to the Bathurst 12 Hour for the first time since 2020 in the form of British team Optimum Motorsport, in addition to several new teams making their respective debuts.
Local squads Arise Racing, GWR/RAM Motorsport and Scott Taylor Motorsport have all staked their respective entries for next year’s edition, while Scott Taylor Motorsport will present an all-star Supercars driving squad of Cam Waters, Thomas Randle and reigning Supercars Championship Champion Chaz Mostert.
The Bathurst 12 Hour has an average starting field size of 35 cars across the 14 editions the race has been run.
Entries for the race officially close in early January next year.
Registrations for Bathurst 12 Hour officials are also open and can be accessed by heading to the event website. Some positions may require a Motorsport Australia licence.
