Get ready for the most thrilling Bathurst 12 Hour yet! The 2026 edition promises to be a showdown of epic proportions, with a star-studded lineup that’s set to redefine the race’s legacy. The final entry list for the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour has been unveiled, and it’s nothing short of extraordinary—a testament to the event’s growing prestige as a global motorsport spectacle. But here’s where it gets controversial: with such a stacked field, who will emerge victorious, and will the underdogs stand a chance against the seasoned champions? Let’s dive in.
The grid is a who’s who of racing royalty, boasting 115 drivers from 22 nationalities, representing 12 brands across 35 cars. Among them are nine Bathurst 12 Hour winners, accounting for 15 race victories, and a host of current champions from the world’s most prestigious series. From the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge Champion to the last two Repco Supercars Champions, this lineup is a racing fan’s dream come true. And this is the part most people miss: even the 2025 winners of the 24 Hours of Spa and Nürburgring classics are joining the fray, adding an extra layer of international flair.
One of the most anticipated entries is the Jamec Racing Team MPC, returning with their Audi R8 LMS Ultra to challenge for outright victory. The trio behind the wheel is nothing short of legendary: Brad Schumacher, the reigning GT World Challenge Australia Champion, joins forces with Will Brown, the 2024 Repco Supercars Champion, and Christopher Haase, an Audi ace with a Bathurst podium to his name. This partnership marks Audi’s 15th consecutive appearance in the race, a record-breaking streak that began with their debut win in 2011. But will their experience be enough to secure another triumph?
The Professional class alone is a battleground, with 15 entries across eight brands vying for supremacy. Yet, the competition doesn’t stop there—other classes still have a shot at claiming outright glory, making this a truly unpredictable race. Ford and Chevrolet are making their outright category debuts, while McLaren returns to GT3 competition after a four-year hiatus. Will these newcomers shake up the established order?
Among the drivers, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is back for his third attempt at conquering the Mountain, fresh off a runner-up finish last year. Meanwhile, the Quinn family is set to make Bathurst history, with four generations—Grandfather Tony, sons Kent and Klark, and grandson Ryder—competing together in an Audi R8. It’s a heartwarming story, but will it translate to on-track success?
The field also includes more than a quarter of the current Repco Supercars Championship grid, including Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, and Cameron Waters. Adding to the global flavor, the top 7 finishers from the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge are in attendance, alongside 2025 IMSA Champions like Matt Campbell, Alex Sims, and Philip Ellis. With such a mix of talent, the question remains: who will rise to the top?
Controversial interpretation alert: While the big names dominate the headlines, could an underdog team or driver surprise everyone? The Bathurst 12 Hour has a history of unexpected twists, and this year’s field is more competitive than ever. What do you think? Will the favorites prevail, or is there room for a dark horse to steal the spotlight? Let us know in the comments!
For the full entry list, visit: 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour entry list. Mark your calendars, because this is one race you won’t want to miss!
