The final 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour entry list stands confirmed, and it shapes as one of the race’s strongest ever in depth, talent and global representation.
Organisers have locked in 35 cars across Pro, Pro-Am, Silver, Bronze, GT4 and Invitational categories. Furthermore, 115 drivers representing 22 nationalities will tackle Mount Panorama, underlining the event’s international stature.
Notably, the field includes nine former winners accounting for 15 Bathurst 12 Hour victories. Among them are reigning 2025 champions Augusto Farfus and Kelvin van der Linde, while at least one winner from each of the last six races returns to compete.
Jamec Racing Team MPC bolsters Audi’s outright charge in 2026 Bathurst 12 Hours
The final pieces of the puzzle fell into place with confirmation that Jamec Racing Team MPC will once again chase outright honours with its Audi R8 LMS Ultra.
The squad has assembled a formidable trio. Reigning GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS champion Brad Schumacher will share driving duties with 2024 Repco Supercars Champion Will Brown and Audi ace and former 12-Hour podium finisher Christopher Haase.
Consequently, Audi celebrates 15 consecutive events of representation at Australia’s International Enduro since debuting — and winning — in 2011.
The partnership reunites Jamec Racing and Team MPC, and it gives Bathurst-based Schumacher a genuine opportunity to fight for outright victory alongside Brown and Haase.
Importantly, the Professional class alone features 15 entries from eight brands battling for overall honours. Moreover, other classes still retain a realistic shot at claiming outright success in addition to class glory.
Aston Martin and McLaren strengthen the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hours
Elsewhere, Volante Rosso Motorsport has secured Bryce Fullwood, Damien Hamilton, Andres Pato and Maxine Robin to pilot its Aston Martin Vantage GT3.
Meanwhile, Supercars rookie Rylan Gray will combine with Porsche Carrera Cup young talents Bayley Hall and Marcos Flack in a Silver class McLaren GT3 entry.
In total, 12 brands will compete this year — 10 of them in GT3 machinery. Ford and Chevrolet both make their outright-category debuts, while McLaren returns to GT3 competition for the first time since 2020.
Champions and Global GT stars return
The driving roster brims with international pedigree. Reigning Intercontinental GT Challenge champion Kelvin van der Linde leads the global contingent, alongside the top seven finishers from the only global GT3 championship of which Bathurst serves as the opening round.
Additionally, 2025 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps winner Jordan Pepper returns, having last raced at Bathurst in 2020 as part of the victorious Bentley line-up. Fellow 2025 24 Hours of Nürburgring winners Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello and Kelvin van der Linde also feature on the grid.
Two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner and 2025 IMSA Sports Car Championship GTP champion Matt Campbell resumes his pursuit of a third crown. At the same time, 2025 IMSA title winners Alex Sims (GTD Pro) and Philip Ellis (GTD) reinforce the strength of the US-based sports car presence.
Former Allan Simonsen Pole Award winners Chaz Mostert, Raffaele Marciello, Matt Campbell, Lucas Auer and Maro Engel all return, further enhancing the field’s quality.
Supercars stars and Rossi add extra intrigue
More than a quarter of the current Repco Supercars Championship grid will line up this year. Current champion Chaz Mostert headlines the domestic charge alongside Will Brown, Broc Feeney, Kai Allen, Cameron Waters, Ryan Wood and Thomas Randle — seven of the ten drivers who contested the inaugural Repco Supercars Championship Finals Series last year.
Meanwhile, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi returns for his third attempt to conquer the Mountain after finishing runner-up last year.
Local hero Brad Schumacher also seeks to add an outright Bathurst triumph to the GT World Challenge Australia title he claimed in dramatic fashion last season.
2026 Bathurst 12 Hours a classic in the making
With 35 cars, 115 drivers and 12 brands converging on Mount Panorama, the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour promises a contest of exceptional depth and global significance.
From former winners and world champions to emerging stars and legendary names, the field reflects the race’s growing prestige. As a result, one of the toughest endurance battles in world motorsport looks set to deliver another unforgettable chapter.
