Aussie Aims for Victory in Epic Race Double Bathurst 1000’s Length

Mount Panorama is set to host Australia’s renowned endurance race, the Bathurst 12 Hour, this weekend. Scheduled for 2026, the event has garnered significant attention as it marks the season opener for Australian motorsport. This year’s race is anticipated to be among the most formidable yet, with a talented grid featuring both domestic and international drivers.

Aussies Aim for Victory in Epic Race Double: The Bathurst 12 Hour

The Bathurst 12 Hour is significantly longer than the more familiar Bathurst 1000, running for six hours. Unlike the Bathurst 1000, which is a round of the Supercars championship, the Bathurst 12 Hour follows international regulations and has been a part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge since 2016.

Comparing Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12 Hour

While both races occur at Mount Panorama, the Bathurst 12 Hour is distinct in several ways:

• The Bathurst 12 Hour utilizes international regulations, whereas the Bathurst 1000 adheres to Australian Supercars rules.
• GT3 cars, based on production models, dominate the Bathurst 12 Hour, while the Supercars are regulated under strict local guidelines.
• In 2023, Maro Engel set the GT3 track record at 2 minutes 0.882 seconds, showcasing the speed advantage of these entries.

Race Format and Competition Structure

The race weekend comprises multiple practice sessions leading up to Saturday’s qualifying. Practicing teams will compete in qualifying sessions, culminating in the race beginning early Sunday at 5:45 AM. Each team fields at least three drivers, with each allowed a maximum of 150 minutes on the track at a time.

Due to the race’s endurance nature, strategy plays a critical role. Competitors must navigate various conditions over twice the distance of the Bathurst 1000, making effective collaboration among drivers essential.

Event Participation and Notable Entrants

The entry list for the 2026 event features 35 entries and 114 drivers. Among the most recognized names is Valentino Rossi, the seven-time MotoGP champion, who transitions from two wheels to four. Last year, he stood on the podium in Bahrain and hopes to add to his growing car racing accolades.

Reigning champion Chaz Mostert is returning to compete once again, driving the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo. He will team up with fellow Australian drivers Cam Waters and Thomas Randle. Waters expressed enthusiasm over the team dynamics, having previously raced with Mostert.

Can Australians Clinch Victory?

Historically, Australians have had notable success in the Bathurst 12 Hour. Last year, they witnessed local driver Matt Campbell emerge victorious. However, with growing international competition, the race has become more challenging. Mostert noted the importance of luck and strategy in achieving a top finish.

While getting familiar with the iconic track remains an advantage for local drivers, the race’s prestige continues to attract elite international talent. As the Bathurst 12 Hour approaches, participants express excitement about the upcoming challenge and the opportunity to prove themselves on both a national and international level.