Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead will contest the full 2026 season of GT World Challenge (GTWC) Australia powered by AWS in the Trophy Class. The duo will drive the #71 Porsche 911 GT3 R in their 2026 GTWC Australia campaign and reunite with Tigani Motorsport, having previously competed together under the team’s banner.
Although they made just one joint appearance last year, they impressed at Queensland Raceway by claiming a class podium in the opening race before retiring early in race two. Now, however, they return with a full-season focus and clear ambitions.
Youlden eyes 2026 GTWC Australia success with Tigani Motorsport
Luke Youlden brings more than 25 years of top-level experience into the 2026 campaign of GTWC Australia powered by AWS. He remains best known for his victory in the Bathurst 1000 in 2017 alongside David Reynolds. In addition, he has secured podium finishes in Supercars endurance classics such as the Sandown 500, Phillip Island 500 and Gold Coast 600.
Beyond Supercars, Youlden has claimed multiple race wins in Super2 and competed in Porsche Carrera Cup, Super GT, Australian GT and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, which includes appearances at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Now, however, he prepares for his first full-time season in any category since 2022. Importantly, he does so with renewed motivation and a clearly defined objective in the Trophy Class.
“The 2026 GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season marks the first full time campaign in any series for me since 2022 – so excited is the word. I’ve missed the competition and opportunity to sink my teeth into a full year and really get comfortable in the car,” Youlden said.
With that in mind, Youlden underlines that his return centres not only on competition but also on mentorship.
“The opportunity to work with and coach Nathan is what keeps me coming back. We’ve talked about doing this together for some time and the series provides a unique opportunity to not only coach but to also drive.
“We go into this season looking to win the class. I think we’ll also surprise a few in Pro Am if some things go our way. Even through the car is a little older, it will be close in performance to the newer models judging by how well we mixed it with the heavy weights at Queensland Raceway last year.”
Consistency as the key to the title
Youlden believes that sustained performance will determine the championship outcome. Therefore, he places strong emphasis on preparation, unity and extracting the maximum from their Porsche package with Tigani Motorsport.
“I don’t think you can win the championship without consistency and wins. The main target will be to get Nathan feeling comfortable and confident. We’ve done some one-on-one coaching recently and if he can drive as aggressively as he did that day then there will be no stopping him!
“I’m pleasantly surprised to hear there may be a few big players in Trophy and I expect them to be fast. The competition has been doing this for some time but I’m confident that we’ve prepared well as a driving unit and Tigani Motorsport always supply a fast car so we can mix it with the best.
“Tigani Motorsport has had a massive expansion and the fact that they are now factory affiliated shows the confidence the industry has them. They run a very professional outfit and have great people. I have every confidence that best GT Team in Australia is preparing our GT3 R.”
Consequently, Youlden approaches the season with measured optimism. He recognises the depth of the field but trusts in the team’s preparation and professionalism.
Halstead targets consistency and growth in 2026 GTWC Australia campaign with Tigani Motorsport
Nathan Halstead debuted in 2017 and has steadily developed his career across production and sports car categories at state and national level. He began in a Porsche 3.6 in the Cue Sports Car Interclub Championship before making his Bathurst debut in a Production Sports Cup endurance race.
Between 2019 and 2022, he competed in Porsche Sprint Challenge, Super GT and The Cue Enduro Super Series, where he finished fourth overall. Since 2023, he has returned annually to the Bathurst 6 Hour and achieved Class C victory at last year’s event.
Now, he steps into a full GT3 season determined to refine his craft and deliver consistent Trophy results.
“The initial GT experience was amazing and the opportunity to drive GT3 cars (in particular the Porsche GT3R), is a life challenge and goal of mine, coming back also gives me the opportunity to improve my driving and push myself to my limits,” Halstead said.
Learning from experience
Halstead emphasised the importance of surrounding himself with proven professionals. He views the 2026 campaign as both a competitive challenge and a development opportunity.
“I wanted to come back because I like having the ability to work with dedicated professionals in the racing industry, such as Luke Youlden and Tigani Motorsport. They set a high benchmark for me to aspire to.
“The 2026 season provides an exciting race calendar all across the country, so I am looking forward to this year immensely. GT3 racing I believe, is the best form of racing as its relevant to road cars and has a large motorsport fan base.”
Importantly, Halstead acknowledges the work required to compete at the front. He has invested time in preparation and continues to focus on understanding the car’s behaviour.
“It was an east decision to come back and we’re very motivated to drive at amazing tracks. I have been preparing for the season in advance and will continue throughout the season to improve, so I expect to be competitive with other Trophy cars and Luke may even give the Pro Am cars a real challenge.
“I have improved substantially in the last 12-24 months with Luke as my guide. Luke knows Porsche and is getting me to understand the car and its aero better every time I drive it.
“At the start of the season I will be trying to settle into the car and the GT racing environment. Once settled I’ll be aiming for class wins or at least top two and finally to achieve a consistent year throughout all 12 races.”
As a result, Halstead enters 2026 with clear targets: settle quickly, fight for class victories and maintain consistency across the season. Together with Youlden, he aims to convert preparation and experience into sustained success.
Season begins at Phillip Island
The pair will launch their campaign at the LIQUI MOLY GT Festival Phillip Island on 27–29 March at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
With a proven endurance specialist guiding an improving amateur driver, and with Tigani Motorsport’s growing factory support behind them, Youlden and Halstead enter 2026 determined to fight for Trophy Class honours — and potentially challenge the Pro-Am contenders along the way.
