The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Australia powered by AWS season continues this weekend at Tailem Bend, where a 16-car grid will headline the LIQUI MOLY GT Festival The Bend. Hosted at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, the event forms part of the Shannons SpeedSeries’ second round and promises another action-packed chapter in an already gripping campaign.
Following an intense season opener at Phillip Island, the championship arrives in South Australia with momentum building across the field. Seven manufacturers featured prominently at the opening round, and with minimal changes to the grid, continuity sets the stage for even closer competition.
Early 2026 GTWC Australia title battle takes shape ahead of Round 2 at Tailem Bend
Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher enter the weekend as championship leaders after a commanding start to their Pro-Am title defence. However, their advantage remains slim, and they face immediate pressure from key rivals.
Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte sit just two points behind in their Ferrari 296 GT3, while Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti bring confidence after their Race 2 victory at Phillip Island. Consequently, the fight at the front appears finely balanced as the series heads into Round 2.
Audi leads the charge
Audi once again boasts the largest presence on the grid, expanding to six Audi R8 LMS EVO IIs for the Tailem Bend round. Melbourne Performance Centre spearheads the manufacturer’s effort, with Feeney and Schumacher joined by Matthew Stoupas and Paul Stokell, as well as Valentino Astuti and Darren Currie.
Meanwhile, Team BRM introduces a fresh element to the field. John-Paul Drake makes his series debut alongside long-time coach Garnet Patterson in the #666 Audi. At the same time, Thomas Randle continues to partner Mark Rosser as Alex Peroni remains sidelined, and Steve Brooks teams up with Ryan Wood in the squad’s third entry.
Key changes across the 2026 GTWC Australia grid ahead of Round 2 at Tailem Bend
Although the entry list remains largely unchanged, a few notable adjustments add intrigue. Volante Rosso Motorsport introduces Ben Porter to its Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 line-up, where he partners Alex Gardner. This reunion marks their first appearance together since 2024 and strengthens the team’s Trophy class prospects.
Ferrari maintains a three-car presence, with Evans and Schutte leading the charge. Zagame Autosport’s Josh Buchan and Cameron Campbell return after international competition, while Renee Gracie and Will Davison continue to develop their partnership in the OnlyFans Racing entry.
Manufacturers eye momentum
Elsewhere, Lamborghini’s Tony D’Alberto and Adrian Deitz aim to build on a strong run of form, having secured one of their best recent results at Phillip Island. Similarly, McLaren looks to continue its upward trajectory, with Josh Hunt and Geoff Emery showing encouraging pace despite early challenges in the season opener.
Mercedes-AMG fields three entries under the Tigani Motorsport banner, headlined by Ojeda and Lucchitti. Brendon Leitch and Sergio Pires seek redemption after late drama last round, while Oscar Targett and Shane Smollen arrive with confidence following an impressive debut weekend.
In addition, Porsche remains represented by a single entry, as Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead look to build on their Trophy class success from Race 1 at Phillip Island.
Weekend schedule and viewing
Track action begins on Friday with practice sessions, before qualifying and Race 1 take place on Saturday. The event concludes on Sunday with Race 2, following the traditional grid walk.
Fans unable to attend can watch all sessions live on FOX SPORTS Australia and Kayo Sports, while international viewers can tune in via the GT World YouTube stream.
Anticipation builds for 2026 GTWC Australia Round 2 at Tailem Bend
With a competitive grid, evolving team dynamics and a tightening title race, Tailem Bend is set to deliver another thrilling instalment of the 2026 season. As teams build on their opening performances, every session will carry added significance in shaping the championship battle.
