The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Australia powered by AWS season enters its penultimate round this weekend as a 15-car field prepares to tackle Sydney Motorsport Park from 18-20 September.
Reigning champions Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher reclaimed the Pro-Am championship lead during the previous round at Hidden Valley Raceway and arrive in Sydney with a seven-point advantage. However, the battle behind remains extremely close, with Brendon Leitch and Sergio Pires tied on 101 points with Mark Rosser, while Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti sit only seven points further back.
Audi once again brings the largest manufacturer presence with five cars, while Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG remain heavily represented in the championship fight. Porsche expands to two entries through the arrival of Earl Bamber Motorsport, while Wall Racing’s return with its Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II increases the field to five manufacturers. Meanwhile, the Trophy Class and SRO GT Academy battles add further significance to a weekend that could substantially shape the championship picture before the season finale.
Feeney and Schumacher regain championship lead ahead of Sydney
Feeney and Schumacher arrive at Sydney Motorsport Park back at the head of the Pro-Am standings after regaining control during GTWC Australia’s first visit to Hidden Valley. The #1 Kelso Electrical Team MPC Audi pairing entered Darwin trailing Leitch and Pires but responded strongly enough across the two races to move seven points clear.
Nevertheless, the championship remains far from settled. Leitch and Pires enter Sydney on 101 points after previously leading the standings, while Rosser also sits on 101 as his Team BRM campaign continues. Ojeda and Lucchitti remain another seven points behind the pair in the #66 Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, ensuring four leading combinations remain separated by a relatively small margin with two rounds remaining.
Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte sit fifth and also retain a meaningful championship opportunity for ARGT. Consequently, any retirement, penalty or difficult qualifying session could create another substantial swing before the field heads to the final round of the season.
Sydney brings title fight into decisive phase
Sydney Motorsport Park hosts the fifth and penultimate round of the championship, leaving only four races across the remaining two events. Therefore, the championship contenders have increasingly limited opportunities to recover points lost through mistakes or reliability problems.
Friday features three practice sessions, including the dedicated Bronze Practice, before Saturday’s two 15-minute qualifying sessions determine the grids for the weekend’s races. Race 1 then takes place under lights on Saturday evening, while the second one-hour contest follows on Sunday afternoon.
The weekend also carries additional importance for Tigani Motorsport, which brings four Mercedes-AMG and Porsche entries to its home circuit. Meanwhile, Melbourne Performance Centre and Team BRM combine to give Audi another major numerical advantage as the manufacturer attempts to maintain its position at the head of the Pro-Am and Trophy standings.
Audi brings five-car Sydney entry
Audi once again boasts the largest presence on the GTWC Australia grid, with five R8 LMS EVO IIs competing across the Pro-Am and Trophy classes.
Feeney and Schumacher lead the manufacturer’s challenge aboard the #1 Kelso Electrical Team MPC entry. The reigning champions returned to the top of the standings at Hidden Valley and now head to Sydney looking to convert their seven-point advantage into a stronger position before the finale.
Valentino Astuti and Darren Currie continue together in the #2 Trading Garage Team MPC Audi. Astuti also remains involved in the SRO GT Academy competition after another solid showing in Darwin, with the young driver continuing his pursuit of the programme’s major prize: a fully-funded Silver Cup seat at the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
Matthew Stoupas and Paul Stokell represent Melbourne Performance Centre in the Trophy Class with the #24 KFC Team MPC entry. Stokell leads the class standings by 11 points, but the margin leaves the championship open heading into the final four races.
Team BRM supplies Audi’s remaining two entries. Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks continue in the #88 Wolfbrook Motorsport car as they search for their first victory of the season, while Alex Peroni and Rosser share the #268 entry. Rosser enters Sydney tied for second in the Pro-Am standings and therefore has another opportunity to reduce the deficit to Feeney and Schumacher during the penultimate round.
Audi entries
- #1 Kelso Electrical Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher – Pro-Am
- #2 Trading Garage Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Valentino Astuti and Darren Currie – Pro-Am
- #24 KFC Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Matthew Stoupas and Paul Stokell – Trophy
- #88 Team BRM / Wolfbrook Motorsport Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks – Pro-Am
- #268 Team BRM Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Alex Peroni and Mark Rosser – Pro-Am
Ferrari trio searches for more victories in Sydney
Ferrari maintains its three-car presence at Sydney Motorsport Park, with all three 296 GT3s competing in Pro-Am.
Evans and Schutte lead the manufacturer’s championship challenge for ARGT. The #26 pairing enters the weekend fifth in the standings and needs a strong Sydney result to reduce the gap before the finale. Although they have remained among the championship contenders throughout the season, they continue to search for their first victory of the campaign.
Will Davison and Renee Gracie return in the #181 OnlyFans Racing Ferrari after already demonstrating race-winning potential this season. Another strong weekend could move the pair further into the championship picture while also giving Ferrari an opportunity to influence the leading title contenders.
Meanwhile, Josh Buchan and Cameron Campbell arrive with momentum in the #23 Zagame Autosport entry after claiming their first podium together at Hidden Valley. The result followed encouraging pace earlier in the Darwin weekend, and the pairing will aim to use that breakthrough as a platform for another competitive performance in Sydney.
Ferrari entries
- #23 Zagame Autosport Ferrari 296 GT3 – Josh Buchan and Cameron Campbell – Pro-Am
- #26 ARGT Ferrari 296 GT3 – Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte – Pro-Am
- #181 OnlyFans Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 – Will Davison and Renee Gracie – Pro-Am
Mercedes-AMG remains heavily involved in Pro-Am fight
Mercedes-AMG heads to Sydney with four GT3 EVOs and several drivers still central to the championship battle.
Leitch and Pires lead the manufacturer’s charge aboard the #44 Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. The pair previously held the championship lead and now sits tied for second on 101 points, only seven behind Feeney and Schumacher. After losing the top position at Hidden Valley, Sydney provides an immediate opportunity to regain ground.
Ojeda and Lucchitti remain close behind in the #66 Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. They enter the weekend fourth and only seven points behind their teammates, leaving both Tigani pairings capable of fighting for the championship through the final two rounds.
Oscar Targett and Shane Smollen continue in the #56 Kollosche AMG by Tigani Motorsport entry. Targett also arrives as the driver to beat in the SRO GT Academy competition, having established a comfortable advantage as he pursues the opportunity to secure a fully-funded Silver Cup drive at the 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
Meanwhile, Michael Sheargold and Brett Hobson return to the grid in the #45 RAM Motorsport / GWR Australia Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Their appearance adds a fourth Mercedes-AMG to the Sydney field, with the pairing competing in the Am category rather than joining the manufacturer’s three Pro-Am challengers.
Mercedes-AMG entries
- #44 Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Brendon Leitch and Sergio Pires – Pro-Am
- #45 RAM Motorsport / GWR Australia Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Michael Sheargold and Brett Hobson – Am
- #56 Kollosche AMG by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Oscar Targett and Shane Smollen – Pro-Am
- #66 Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti – Pro-Am
Porsche doubles Sydney presence as Earl Bamber Motorsport joins grid
Porsche expands from one to two entries for Sydney, with one car continuing a Trophy championship challenge and the second making its GTWC Australia Pro-Am debut.
Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead return in the #71 AED Consulting by Tigani Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R. The experienced pairing sits second in the Trophy standings, only 11 points behind Stokell, ensuring the class battle remains finely poised with four races remaining.
Sydney carries additional significance because Tigani Motorsport competes at its home circuit. Youlden and Halstead have already enjoyed success during the season and now need to maximise their points against the #24 Audi if they want to enter the finale within striking distance of the Trophy lead.
Earl Bamber Motorsport adds the #81 Porsche 911 GT3 R to the Pro-Am field for Tom McLennan and Andrew Georgiadis. McLennan brings previous GTWC Australia experience from the Trophy Class alongside his background in Porsche Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge competition, while Georgiadis makes his championship debut after progressing through the Porsche Motorsport Australia pathway.
Their arrival gives Porsche representation in both Pro-Am and Trophy and adds another new pairing to an already competitive field.
Porsche entries
- #71 AED Consulting by Tigani Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2) – Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead – Trophy
- #81 Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2) – Tom McLennan and Andrew Georgiadis – Pro-Am
Wall Racing returns Lamborghini to GTWC Australia grid
Lamborghini returns to the championship at Sydney Motorsport Park after Wall Racing missed the previous round at Hidden Valley.
Tony D’Alberto and Adrian Deitz will once again share the #93 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II. Their return raises the Sydney entry to 15 cars and ensures five manufacturers will compete across the weekend.
The Wall Racing entry adds further variety to an already deep Pro-Am field, where Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche all have multiple cars. With only two rounds remaining, D’Alberto and Deitz will look to re-establish themselves quickly after missing Darwin and end the season with stronger results.
Lamborghini entry
- #93 Wall Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II – Tony D’Alberto and Adrian Deitz – Pro-Am
Full 2026 GTWC Australia Sydney entry list
- #1 Kelso Electrical Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher – Pro-Am
- #2 Trading Garage Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Valentino Astuti and Darren Currie – Pro-Am
- #23 Zagame Autosport Ferrari 296 GT3 – Josh Buchan and Cameron Campbell – Pro-Am
- #24 KFC Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Matthew Stoupas and Paul Stokell – Trophy
- #26 ARGT Ferrari 296 GT3 – Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte – Pro-Am
- #44 Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Brendon Leitch and Sergio Pires – Pro-Am
- #45 RAM Motorsport / GWR Australia Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Michael Sheargold and Brett Hobson – Am
- #56 Kollosche AMG by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Oscar Targett and Shane Smollen – Pro-Am
- #66 Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO – Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti – Pro-Am
- #71 AED Consulting by Tigani Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2) – Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead – Trophy
- #81 Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R (991.2) – Tom McLennan and Andrew Georgiadis – Pro-Am
- #88 Team BRM / Wolfbrook Motorsport Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks – Pro-Am
- #93 Wall Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II – Tony D’Alberto and Adrian Deitz – Pro-Am
- #181 OnlyFans Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 – Will Davison and Renee Gracie – Pro-Am
- #268 Team BRM Audi R8 LMS EVO II – Alex Peroni and Mark Rosser – Pro-Am
Weekend schedule and viewing information
Friday begins with a one-hour opening Practice session before the Bronze drivers receive a dedicated 40-minute session during the afternoon. The full field then returns for another hour of Practice in the evening, giving teams valuable running before the competitive sessions begin on Saturday.
Qualifying takes place on Saturday afternoon through two 15-minute sessions before Race 1 begins at 7:50pm under the Sydney Motorsport Park lights. The field then returns on Sunday for the second and final one-hour race of the weekend at 2:05pm.
FOX SPORTS Australia and Kayo Sports will broadcast the GTWC Australia sessions live for domestic viewers. International audiences can follow the action through the GT World YouTube channel.
Friday 18 September
- Practice 1 – 9:25am–10:25am
- Practice 2 – Bronze drivers only – 1:30pm–2:10pm
- Practice 2 – 5:15pm–6:15pm
Saturday 19 September
- Qualifying 1 – 2:35pm–2:50pm
- Qualifying 2 – 3:00pm–3:15pm
- Race 1 – 7:50pm–8:50pm
Sunday 20 September
- Race 2 – 2:05pm–3:05pm
All times AEST.
Sydney set to play major role in GTWC Australia title fight
The championship arrives at Sydney with little separating its leading contenders and only one event remaining afterwards. Feeney and Schumacher hold the advantage after reclaiming first place at Hidden Valley, but a seven-point lead leaves little margin for error across two one-hour races.
Leitch and Pires have already led the championship this season and remain close enough to immediately regain the position, while Rosser enters the weekend level with them on 101 points. Ojeda and Lucchitti also remain firmly involved only seven points further behind, and Evans and Schutte continue to pursue the leading group from fifth.
The class battles add another layer to the weekend. Stokell carries an 11-point Trophy advantage over Youlden and Halstead, while Targett looks to strengthen his control of the SRO GT Academy contest. Furthermore, Porsche’s second entry and Lamborghini’s return increase the Sydney grid to 15 cars and five manufacturers.
Consequently, the penultimate round could establish a much clearer championship picture before the finale or tighten the fight further. With two races, several closely matched title contenders and a Saturday night contest at Sydney Motorsport Park, GTWC Australia enters one of the most important weekends of its 2026 season.
