Dates Confirmed for the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour Event

The anticipation builds for the 23rd edition of the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, scheduled for 13-15 February next year. This prestigious event will showcase an impressive array of world-class GT cars at the renowned Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

Traditionally heralding the start of the Australian motorsport season, the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour will celebrate a decade of being incorporated into the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).

This year’s race attracted over 51,000 spectators throughout the three days, making it the second-highest attendance in the event’s history.

Event Director Shane Rudzis has expressed the organising committee’s excitement at securing the date for 2026, reaffirming the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour’s position as the opening event for the Aussie motorsport calendar.

“We have collaborated closely with our partners to ensure the race enjoys uninterrupted scheduling, supporting the ambitions of international teams and drivers while also providing opportunities for our local stars to compete,” Rudzis noted.

“We anticipate another thrilling mix of teams and drivers from both Australia and overseas as global GT racing continues to gain momentum.”

“Together with our numerous partners who contribute to this remarkable event, we are committed to delivering another spectacular showcase for Mount Panorama and New South Wales on the international stage.”

Significant efforts have been made to maintain the Bathurst date free from clashes with other major domestic and international motorsport events, such as the Asian Le Mans Series and the NextGen NZ Championship, which take place immediately before and after the Bathurst 12 Hour.

This year’s race was triumphantly secured by BMW, with Team WRT’s M4 GT3 entries finishing in a 1-2 victory, thanks to Brazilian Augusto Farfus and South African siblings Kelvin and Sheldon van der Linde, who won by a margin of 10 seconds over their teammates, Valentino Rossi, Raffaele Marciello, and Charles Weerts.

Bathurst Regional Council Acting Mayor, Ben Fry, emphasised that retaining the 12 Hour in its traditional time slot was a key focus in the planning stages of the event.

“Ten years within the Intercontinental GT Challenge solidifies Mount Panorama as more than just a postcard; it stands as a global standard,” Councillor Fry stated.

“Every factory team that arrives contributes to the local economy, reinforcing our iconic status and placing Bathurst alongside renowned venues like Spa and Suzuka.”

“The extension of our joint-venture agreement isn’t merely formalities; it signifies the initiation of another decade of stable operations.”

“Bathurst provides the backdrop, Supercars delivers the grid, and together we aim to keep this race thriving and the local economy flourishing.”

The announcement of the 2026 date solidifies a new, long-term renewal of the partnership between Bathurst Regional Council and Supercars Australia as co-owners of the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

Tickets and camping options for the 2026 event will soon be available for purchase, with high demand expected and over 2,600 campsites likely to be occupied across the Paddock, Reid/Sulman, and McPhillamy Park campgrounds.