The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will return in 2027 with a significantly expanded format, as organisers confirm a four-day IGTC schedule for Australia’s premier GT endurance race. The event will run from Thursday 11 February to Sunday 14 February at Mount Panorama.
Organisers confirmed the new dates following the success of this year’s move to a mid-February slot. As a result, the event attracted its largest grid in six years while also drawing record crowds and camper numbers. Across the three-day programme in 2026, attendance reached an impressive 55,231 spectators.
Four-day format creates new opportunities
The additional day will allow organisers to introduce more on-track activity and improve the overall experience for teams, drivers and fans. Notably, competitors will gain access to paid testing sessions ahead of the main race weekend.
At the same time, visitors can expect a more immersive festival atmosphere around Mount Panorama. Event organisers also plan to expand the popular Track to Town celebration, which connects the race with the City of Bathurst and its local community.
Consequently, the extra day should strengthen the event’s appeal both nationally and internationally.
Mid-February date strengthens global position
The confirmation of the February window also secures the event’s place on the international motorsport calendar. The Bathurst 12 Hour serves as the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, which features iconic endurance races at Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring, Suzuka and Indianapolis.
According to Event Director Shane Rudzis, stakeholders strongly supported the revised timing introduced this year. He explained that competitors, manufacturers, broadcasters and commercial partners all responded positively to the February schedule. Furthermore, organisers believe the dates offer the best balance between international freight demands, manufacturer commitments and fan accessibility. Rudzis added that the event remains committed to delivering a world-class experience both on and off the circuit.
“The mid‑February timing received positive feedback across all aspects of the event, from competitors and manufacturers through to partners, broadcasters and the local community, reflecting the strength of the event and its potential to grow further on and off the track,” said Rudzis.
“We had clear feedback across the board to maintain a similar window for 2027. Balancing international calendars, freight and manufacturer commitments is never simple however we’re confident these dates strike the right balance and a commitment to a world-class experience for our competitors, fans and partners at Mount Panorama.”
Meguiar’s extends long-term partnership
Alongside the event announcement, Meguiar’s confirmed it will continue as naming-rights partner through 2027. The extension reinforces the company’s long-standing connection with one of the world’s leading GT endurance races.
The continued partnership provides stability for organisers as they prepare for further growth in the coming years. Moreover, it strengthens the event’s commercial profile at a time when international GT racing continues to expand globally.
Economic boost for Bathurst region
Bathurst Mayor Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor welcomed the announcement and highlighted the race’s growing impact on the regional economy. He stated that the Bathurst 12 Hour has become a cornerstone event for the city, delivering substantial economic benefits while showcasing Mount Panorama to a worldwide audience.
In addition, Taylor praised the rapid growth of the event in recent years and noted that the confirmed 2027 dates offer valuable certainty for local businesses and tourism operators across the Central West region.
“The Bathurst 12 Hour has become a cornerstone event for Bathurst, delivering enormous economic benefits while showcasing Mount Panorama and our region to a worldwide audience,” he said
“The growth of the event in recent years has been extraordinary, and the confirmation of the 2027 dates is fantastic news for local businesses, the community and the broader Central West region.”
More announcements expected later this year
Organisers have indicated that additional details surrounding the event’s future growth will emerge later in 2026. With attendance continuing to rise and international interest increasing, the 2027 edition already shapes up as one of the biggest Bathurst 12 Hour events to date.
Meanwhile, support from Destination NSW and the NSW Government continues to play an important role in the event’s expansion and international reach.
