The date and the signing of a new decade-long deal are among the details revealed regarding the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
Announced as part of the SRO Motorsport’s traditional press conference at the 24 Hours of Spa, the date for the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will be on February 13-15, which is earlier to avoid clashes in global sportscar racing.
“We are pleased to confirm the date for 2026 and lock the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour into its place as the opener for the Aussie motorsport season once again,” said event director Shane Rudzis.
“We have worked very hard with our partners to ensure the race enjoys clear air to support the aspirations of international teams and drivers to compete here, as well as ensuring our locally based stars can be on the grid.
“We’re expecting another melting pot of teams and drivers from here and abroad as global GT racing continues to go from strength to strength.
“Along with our many partners who contributes to this fantastic event, we’re working hard to ensure it’s another brilliant showpiece for Mount Panorama and the state of New South Wales on an international stage.
The date confirmation came after it was announced a deal had been agreed between event owner Supercars and the Bathurst Regional Council to continue the event for ‘at least another decade’.
“I want to thank Bathurst Regional Council for their partnership with the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour extending our agreement long-term,” said Rudzis.
“We’ve seen significant growth of the event since our relationship commenced in 2016 as it has become one of the top GT racing events on the planet.
“Bathurst and The Mountain are iconic globally and we have also been able to showcase the city, region and the entire state of New South Wales to the world via the race.
“Having a long-term commitment on both sides to continue our joint venture moving forward is exciting for both parties.”
Entering its 10th year under the watch of Supercars, the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour attracts the world’s best teams and drivers to the Mountain, with new models including the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette set to debut next year.
“The Bathurst 12 Hour is always the first cab off the GT rank and a shot of economic espresso for Bathurst after the January go-slow,” said action mayor Ben Fry.
“Mount Panorama isn’t a postcard; it’s a global benchmark.
“Every factory team that lands here spends dollars in town, firms our iconic status and writes Bathurst in the same breath as Spa and Suzuka.
“The extension of our joint-venture deal isn’t just paperwork; it’s the starter button on another decade of certainty.
“Bathurst brings the mountain, Supercars brings the grid, and together we’ll keep this race roaring and local tills ringing.”
Further details to be announced in due course regarding camping, ticketing and corporate hospitality.