Scott Taylor Motorsport (STM) has confirmed Cameron Waters, Chaz Mostert and Thomas Randle for the 2027 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, becoming the first team to announce its entry for next year’s Australian endurance racing classic.
The all-Australian trio will reunite in the team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for a second consecutive year, targeting an outright victory after their promising 2026 campaign ended in disappointment. Waters secured the Allan Simonsen Pole Position Trophy with a remarkable qualifying performance, but damage during the race ultimately ended their challenge.
STM will return to Mount Panorama for its ninth Bathurst 12 Hour appearance, with Team Manager Barry Ryan also retaining his position. Ashley Seward Motorsport has already begun preparations for the event, which will take place from 11–14 February 2027.
The announcement marks another significant commitment from team owner Scott Taylor, who believes the combination that demonstrated race-winning potential in 2026 remains capable of delivering the team’s first outright Bathurst triumph.
STM retains all-Australian line-up for ninth Bathurst attempt
STM’s decision to retain Waters, Mostert and Randle reflects the confidence that Taylor and his team have in their existing driver combination. The three Supercars competitors entered the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour among the leading Pro contenders, bringing extensive experience of Mount Panorama and Australian motorsport to the international GT3 field.
Their reunion also ensures continuity throughout the programme, allowing the drivers to build on their experience with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Waters and Randle have competed regularly with STM at Bathurst, while Mostert joined the operation for its 2026 campaign.
Meanwhile, Ryan will continue overseeing the programme, bringing nearly three decades of experience in Australian motorsport. His involvement proved particularly valuable during the team’s preparations for the previous edition, when STM demonstrated the pace necessary to challenge established international GT3 operations.
Taylor welcomed the opportunity to return with the same personnel, emphasising the importance of the event and his determination to secure victory.
“It’s one of our biggest events on the Australian sports calendar, and it only gets bigger and better every year,” said Taylor.
“All the internationals come down to the best racing circuit in the world for our once around the clock enduro.
“We’re the all-Australian team and we’re coming back for another attack, and you guessed it, it’s the same team as last year – Cameron Waters, Chaz Mostert and Thomas Randle, plus Barry Ryan overseeing the operation.
Waters’ 2026 pole demonstrates STM’s potential
STM’s confidence stems partly from its impressive performance during the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour weekend, when the #222 Mercedes-AMG emerged as one of the leading contenders for outright victory.
Waters demonstrated strong pace throughout practice before producing one of the standout performances of the weekend in the Pirelli Pole Battle. The Supercars driver recorded a 2:01.0790 around Mount Panorama, securing the Allan Simonsen Pole Position Trophy and leading a Mercedes-AMG lockout of the first three positions.
His lap ranked as the second-fastest pole-winning time in Bathurst 12 Hour history, placing STM ahead of several established international GT3 teams. Lucas Auer secured second for Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing, while Luca Stolz completed the top three for 75 Express.
The 2026 Bathurst qualifying result demonstrated STM’s ability to compete against factory-supported entries and experienced endurance racing specialists.
However, converting that speed into victory presented a different challenge. Randle took the start from pole position as the field began the 12-hour contest in darkness, with the team aiming to maintain its position among the leading competitors.
Race damage denies STM a potential podium
Although STM remained competitive during the 2026 race, its hopes of challenging for victory suffered a major setback during the second half of the contest.
Randle lost control of the #222 Mercedes-AMG while attempting to lap the High Class Racing Porsche of Kerong Li on lap 167. The car spun at the exit of The Cutting, making contact with the barriers and sustaining damage to its front splitter and left-rear section.
Mostert subsequently attempted to continue, but the damage forced the team into the garage for repairs. The incident cost STM several laps and removed the car from contention for the leading positions.
The team eventually retired after completing 238 laps, bringing a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise promising weekend.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-AMG Team GMR secured the overall victory through Maro Engel, Mikaël Grenier and Maxime Martin, having started from 29th on the grid. The dramatic 2026 Bathurst race demonstrated the unpredictable nature of endurance competition at Mount Panorama.
Nevertheless, STM’s pole position and race pace provided considerable encouragement ahead of its return. Rather than pursuing major changes, Taylor believes the team already possesses the ingredients necessary to challenge for victory.
Taylor remains confident in race-winning combination
Despite the disappointment of 2026, Taylor believes STM can convert its existing strengths into a successful result next February. The team’s performance throughout practice, qualifying and much of the race reinforced his confidence in the drivers, machinery and personnel.
Rather than overhauling the operation, he intends to build on the previous campaign and improve the execution required to sustain a challenge across the full 12 hours.
“We’ve got the capability to win. We should have won last year, so in 2027, we’re definitely returning to give it a nudge.
“I was thinking about what we could do differently to win in 2026, and I don’t think we need to do anything different – we had a winning combination.
“So, we’ve got the drivers, we’ve the car and we’ve got the team to be able to do it.
“I really want to thank the drivers for coming back to us, as well as the teams that they all work for in Tickford, Walkinshaw and Erebus to get them released for the event.
“We also thank Ford America and Toyota because they give us their blessings to add Cam, Chaz and Thomas to our driving lineup.”
Taylor’s comments also highlight the cooperation required to assemble an all-Supercars driver combination, particularly when the drivers maintain separate commitments with manufacturers and teams during their regular campaigns.
Mostert returns with unfinished business at Bathurst
Mostert enters the 2027 campaign determined to improve on the team’s previous result, having experienced the disappointment of STM’s premature exit from contention.
The Australian brings extensive experience at Mount Panorama, including two Bathurst 1000 victories and success across several categories of motorsport. His addition to STM’s programme in 2026 strengthened an already competitive line-up, providing the team with another driver capable of challenging leading international GT3 competitors.
However, despite the trio’s strong performance throughout the weekend, the race ultimately ended without the result they had targeted. Mostert believes the experience has only strengthened the team’s motivation to return.
“We certainly have some unfinished business in the 12 Hour, so it was cool when Scott called up and said he was going to go again,” said Mostert.
“STM has put together an amazing program for the race. We have the right car, the right drivers, and a great team of people. It is seriously a world-class effort.
“We were in a good spot last year, but as we know, it doesn’t take much to unravel your race at the mountain.
“Regardless of what happens, I know that we are going to have a fun weekend with this crew. They are good value.”
His comments reflect both the team’s competitive ambitions and the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship throughout a demanding endurance event.
Waters targets victory after pole-winning performance
Waters also expressed his determination to return, with his 2026 pole position providing clear evidence of STM’s potential at Mount Panorama.
The Tickford Racing driver has established himself as one of the leading competitors in Australian Supercars, regularly demonstrating his speed around the demanding Bathurst circuit. His qualifying performance in February reinforced that reputation, although the eventual race result prevented the team from capitalising on its strong starting position.
Despite the disappointment, Waters believes the team’s existing combination can challenge for victory without significant changes.
“Last year has only just whet the appetite for another crack at the 12 Hour,” said Waters.
“Scott has been a great supporter of mine for a number of years, so representing him at Bathurst in that race he really wants to win is an honour.
“The 2026 race proved that we have the ingredients perfect. There’s no reason to change anything. So for us drivers, it’s about going out there, executing and seeing where we stack up at the end.”
The 2027 race will provide Waters with another opportunity to convert his qualifying speed into an outright endurance racing victory, while continuing his longstanding relationship with Taylor.
Randle determined to make amends after difficult 2026 race
Randle will return for his fourth Bathurst 12 Hour appearance with STM and Ashley Seward Motorsport, bringing another year of experience with the team.
The Australian played a central role in the 2026 programme, taking the start from pole position and competing among the leading entries during the opening stages. However, his later accident proved costly, ending the team’s opportunity to challenge for a strong result.
Although the incident represented a significant disappointment, Randle remains encouraged by the combination’s overall performance and believes STM can compete for victory in 2027.
“I’m really excited to be teaming up with STM, Cam and Chaz again in what will be my fourth 12 Hour with Scott Taylor and Ashley Seward Motorsport,” said Randle.
“This year’s event had a lot of highs and unfortunately a couple of lows, but we learnt a lot. We had awesome speed, Cam set pole position and it was pretty incredible for me to start the race from there in the dark.
“I’m keen to right a few wrongs and give it a red hot crack in 2027.”
The reunion allows Randle to continue developing his endurance racing experience alongside two familiar teammates, with the trio aiming to deliver the complete performance that eluded them in 2026.
Ashley Seward Motorsport begins preparation as Ryan returns
STM has already begun preparing for its ninth Bathurst 12 Hour appearance, with Ashley Seward Motorsport working on the team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO at its Melbourne workshop.
The outfit will retain the same chassis that it has campaigned during recent editions of the race, maintaining technical continuity with its previous programmes. Rather than introduce an unfamiliar car, the team intends to focus on preparation and testing as it attempts to address the weaknesses that prevented a successful result in 2026.
A multi-day, multi-circuit testing schedule will form an important part of those preparations, allowing the drivers and engineers to refine the car before travelling to Mount Panorama.
Ryan will also return as Team Manager, providing extensive experience in Australian motorsport and GT3 endurance competition. He previously guided Erebus Motorsport to victory in the 2013 Bathurst 12 Hour with its Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, demonstrating his familiarity with the challenges of the event.
In addition, he has enjoyed success in Supercars, including the 2017 Bathurst 1000 and the 2023 Drivers’ Championship.
His continued involvement will provide STM with another experienced figure as the team attempts to translate its proven pace into an overall Bathurst victory.
Increased sponsorship support to change STM’s appearance
Although STM will retain its core personnel and existing Mercedes-AMG chassis, the team’s 2027 entry will feature a different appearance following an expansion of its commercial partnerships.
The outfit has secured additional backing for its ninth Bathurst 12 Hour campaign, providing further support as it prepares to challenge an expected increase in international competition.
STM has not yet revealed the identities of its new partners or the final appearance of its Mercedes-AMG, although further announcements will follow as preparations progress.
The decision to retain the existing car and driver combination also allows the team to build on a familiar technical platform. With several years of experience using the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO at Bathurst, STM can concentrate on reliability, race execution and consistency rather than adapting to a substantially different package.
The additional sponsorship support reinforces the team’s commitment to the event and provides another indication of its determination to pursue the outright victory that has so far eluded the operation.
Bathurst organisers welcome STM as first confirmed entry
Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director Shane Rudzis welcomed STM’s early commitment, recognising the team’s longstanding support for the event and its continued pursuit of success at Mount Panorama.
STM has become a familiar presence in the Australian endurance race, combining established domestic motorsport talent with a competitive international GT3 package.
Its confirmation also marks the beginning of the entry announcement period for 2027, with organisers anticipating another strong combination of local competitors and international teams.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Scott Taylor Motorsport back to the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour as our first confirmed entry for 2027,” Rudzis said.
“I want to thank Scotty and the team for their ongoing support and commitment to the event over many years.
“Having teams that are so passionate about the Bathurst 12 Hour continue to back the event is incredibly important to its growth and success. We’re looking forward to welcoming them back to Mount Panorama as we build towards another big event in 2027.”
The announcement follows another successful edition of the event, which attracted 35 cars and 115 drivers representing 22 nationalities in 2026. Organisers expect international competition to remain strong as the race continues its development as one of the leading events on the global GT3 calendar.
STM prepares for renewed Bathurst challenge in February
STM’s decision to confirm its 2027 programme early provides the team with several months to prepare for another attempt at securing its first outright Bathurst 12 Hour victory.
The retention of Waters, Mostert and Randle ensures continuity within the driver line-up, while Ryan’s return and the continued involvement of Ashley Seward Motorsport provide stability across the wider operation.
Although the 2026 race ended in disappointment, the team’s pole-winning performance demonstrated that it possesses the speed necessary to compete against leading international GT3 teams. The challenge now lies in maintaining that competitiveness throughout the full 12 hours while avoiding the incidents and setbacks that regularly shape the outcome at Mount Panorama.
With an expanded testing programme and additional commercial support, STM will aim to build on the strengths of its previous campaign without making major changes to its successful formula.
The 2027 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will take place from 11–14 February, bringing another international GT3 field to Mount Panorama.
For Taylor and his all-Australian crew, the objective remains unchanged. After demonstrating their potential in 2026, they will return determined to convert that speed into a long-awaited outright victory.
