The 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will welcome at least 36 cars to Mount Panorama, marking the largest field of the decade at Australia’s International Enduro. Moreover, organisers expect the grid to grow further before entries officially close in early January.
Already, the provisional list signals one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. Not only does the event attract global powerhouses, but it also promises fresh rivalries and notable returns ahead of the February 13–15 spectacle.
WRT returns as BMW eyes continued dominance for 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour
Team WRT headlines the early entries as it returns to defend the one-two finish it secured at the start of this year. That commanding result propelled BMW towards a dominant Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, culminating in manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles at Indianapolis.
Consequently, WRT’s decision to return adds significant weight to the 2026 contest. Rather than stepping back after success, the team aims to achieve what only two outfits have managed before — successfully defend a Bathurst 12 Hour crown.
Ford and Chevrolet renew a legendary rivalry
Meanwhile, Ford prepares to make its senior-class debut at the event. The Blue Oval will compete in the GT3 category thanks to its European factory squad, Haupt Racing Team (HRT), marking a major milestone for the brand at Mount Panorama.
At the same time, Chevrolet strengthens its presence as GM embarks on a new GT chapter in its storied Australian rivalry with Ford. With both marques competing in GT3, fans will witness a modern continuation of one of Bathurst’s most iconic battles.
In total, 12 manufacturers will feature across the GT3, GT4 and Invitational classes, underlining the race’s international appeal.
Mercedes-AMG leads a stacked GT3 field for 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour
The GT3 category forms the backbone of the 2026 grid, boasting 32 entries. Significantly, Mercedes-AMG enters 11 examples of its thunderous GT3 machine — a record number for a single GT3 manufacturer and model. After winning against the odds in 2022 and 2023, Mercedes-AMG once again stands among the favourites.
Elsewhere, Porsche fields five 911 GT3 Rs, while MPC spearheads an Audi resurgence with four R8 LMS entries. In addition, McLaren returns to the Mountain in GT3 guise for the first time since 2020.
Chevrolet will campaign two Corvettes through JMR, Arise Racing will once again lead Ferrari’s charge after demonstrating race-winning pace in February, and single entries from Aston Martin and Lamborghini complete a remarkably diverse GT3 roster.
Already, the category ranks as the second largest GT3 field in Bathurst 12 Hour history. Furthermore, organisers have not ruled out additional confirmations before the deadline.
A truly global contest
Event director Shane Rudzis emphasised the significance of releasing the provisional entry list ahead of Christmas.
“To release an entry list before Christmas, even before entries officially close, speaks volumes about how far this event has grown and rebounded in recent years,” said Rudzis. “The Bathurst 12 Hour has always been fiercely competitive, whether the grid was 20 cars or 40 and remains one of the hardest endurance races in the world to win. But 2026 is shaping up to deliver one of our most competitive and diverse fields yet.
“Our slogan is ‘Where the World Comes to Race,’ and the 2026 edition couldn’t embody that more. With teams from 11 countries already confirmed, a broad mix of brands, and the debut of new teams and manufacturers, this year promises something truly special.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ford Racing to the Mountain. It’s been talked about for a long time, and seeing Haupt Racing Team bring their entry to life is a huge moment for all of us. Few rivalries are more iconic than the General versus the Blue Oval at Bathurst – and now fans get to experience that in February as well as October.
“We’re also excited to welcome back Team WRT. After finishing 1-2 this year, they could have easily said ‘job done’ and focused on their other programs. Instead, the lure of Bathurst has drawn them back to defend their victory – a feat achieved only twice before in 12 Hour history.”
Anticipation builds ahead of 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour showdown
Although organisers will announce driver line-ups and Intercontinental GT Challenge manufacturer registrations closer to the event, anticipation already continues to build.
With global manufacturers, historic rivalries and a record-setting GT3 contingent converging on Mount Panorama, the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour promises to deliver one of the most compelling endurance contests in recent memory.
