Ford, returning champions confirmed in 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour

Ford will feature in the battle for outright victory in Australia’s International Enduro, the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, for the first time in 2026.

Meanwhile, defending champions Team WRT have locked in their intent to defend their incredible 1-2 finish achieved this year by entering a pair of BMW M4 GT3 cars once again.

The Mustang and BMW entries highlight a 36-car provisional entry list released today, with more entries anticipated prior to the cutoff on 5 January 2026.

It’s set to be one of the strongest GT3 fields ever assembled in Australia.

The addition of the Ford Mustang GT3 car, entered by HRT (Haupt Racing Team) Ford Racing will see the decades-long General Motors-versus-Ford battle for Bathurst spill over to the 12-Hour for the first time next February.

The Ford will go head to head with a pair of Chevrolet Corvette GT3 Z06.R entries fielded by Johor Motor Racing JMR.

Meanwhile, it also means the iconic Ford-versus-Ferrari Sports Car battle will also feature for the first time at an outright level on the Mountain. Both the Team WRT and the HRT Ford Racing squad will confirm further details, including driving squads, in the new year.

Also confirmed today are entries from former winners Earl Bamber Motorsport (Porsche) and 75 Express, the team headed up by two-time winner and part-time Bathurst resident, Kenny Habul.

US-based Heart of Racing by SPS and longstanding popular 12-Hour contenders, Mercedes-AMG Team GMR, are also set for Bathurst returns next February. The Mercedes-AMG teams are part of a record 11-strong fleet from the iconic German marque, a record number of entries by both a single make and model in 12-Hour history.

Five Porsche 911 GT3Rs, four Audi R8 GT3s and three BMW M4 GT3s ensure the German powerhouse brands the most numerical on the list, though the pair of Ferrari entries from local team Arise Racing GT will likely be challengers, while Lamborghini is also represented.

McLaren will make their return to the outright class for the first time since 2020 with Optimum Motorsport, who make their Bathurst debut in 2026, while Australian team Volante Rosso Motorsport will join the McLaren family with their own 720S GT3 entry for the first time.

Volante Rosso have also entered their regular Aston Martin AMR GT3.

The 12 brands entered to date represent the most in the race since 2019, while the 32 GT3 entries represent just the third time in 12-Hour history that number has been reached and the second most in race history.

In the classes, Method Motorsport have confirmed their return to defend their 2025 GT4 class championship with a McLaren Artura GT4, while IRC will take on the KTM X-Bow GT2 in the Invitational class.

Entries officially close on Monday, 5 January 2026.

“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 Shane Rudzis, Event Director.

“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.

“There’s more to come, but we wanted to share this incredible field early to give fans something to look forward to over Christmas and New Year.

“Tickets, camping, premium camping, and corporate hospitality are selling fast, so don’t miss out. We can’t wait to see that iconic sunrise over the Mountain on race day—there’s nothing like it.”

“From Everyone at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, have a great festive break with friends, family and loved ones, see you in February.”

Key points

2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour provisional entry list

As on Friday December 19