Valvoline take naming rights for GRM's Bathurst return
Nathan Herne/James Moffat Chevrolet set to run famous #34
Livery to pay homage to 2000 Bathurst 1000 winner
Garry Rogers Motorsport's return to the Repco Bathurst 1000 will come with an iconic look and naming rights.
As has been expected since the shock announcement of GRM's Supercars return last month, Valvoline will take naming rights on the team's ex-Triple Eight Camaro.
Officially confirmed on Monday, the Camaro of debutant Nathan Herne and veteran James Moffat will run under the Team Valvoline GRM banner, with the team also reclaiming their signature #34, which was used by Matt Stone Racing from 2020 to 2023.
It's the latest chapter of a partnership that has spanned 36 years, with Valvoline-backed GRM entries a staple of the Supercars grid between 1996 and 2009, before taking naming rights again in Volvo's first season in 2014
The oil brand remained on their entries throughout their time in Supercars alongside various naming rights sponsors until GRM left the series full-time in 2019. Valvoline also backed GRM's one-off return to Bathurst in 2020.
Kate Phillips, Marketing Director ANZ, Valvoline Global, said: "Bathurst is where Australian motorsport creates its greatest stories, and Garry Rogers Motorsport has written many of them. This program is about more than returning to Mount Panorama.
"It represents the union of two icons – Valvoline and GRM – honouring a shared commitment to best-in-class performance and investment in the next generation of racing, honouring our history while continuing to invest in what's next.
"Nathan Herne has developed through the GRM pathway and now earns his opportunity on Australian motorsport's biggest stage alongside James Moffat. Supporting that journey perfectly reflects our belief that being an original isn't about what you've achieved it's about continuing to evolve.”
GRM's 2026 livery is set to pay homage to their finest hour, when Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna claimed victory in the 2000 Bathurst 1000 at the helm of their Valvoline Holden Commodore VT.
This year's Repco Bathurst 1000 will be the first held after the passing of Supercars Hall of Famer Garry Rogers, with GRM entering the race in his honour.
GRM Director Barry Rogers added: "Running the GRM wildcard in honour of my dad will be a deeply special and emotional occasion for our family, as well as for current and former GRM staff.
"Seeing the big 'V' of Valvoline on the bonnet of the #34 will bring back many fond memories of the achievements GRM and Valvoline have shared over many years.
"Dad’s racing journey would not have reached the heights it did without Valvoline’s incredibly loyal support for more than 36 years. That same loyalty, along with Valvoline’s respect for history, has made it possible to take the #34 Team Valvoline GRM Chevy Camaro to Bathurst.”
GRM will not be in action at the pre-enduro test day on the Tuesday following the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440, the team instead electing to run their own program at Winton at a later date.
Supercars action in Ipswich begins on Friday.
