GRM to take on Bathurst 1000

Garry Rogers Motorsport will return to the Supercars grid for the first time in six years, entering a wildcard in the 2026 Bathurst 1000 for James Moffat and Nathan Herne.

The famous team spent more than 30 years competing in the Australian Touring Car Championship and Supercars before withdrawing following the 2019 season.

Its most recent Supercars appearance came as a wildcard at the 2020 Bathurst 1000, although Herne was controversially denied dispensation to compete at the event.

Six years later, the 23-year-old will finally make his Supercars debut alongside veteran Moffat in an ex-Triple Eight Chevrolet Camaro.

The announcement was made on the birthday of late team owner Garry Rogers, who was a strong supporter of Herne’s career and had wanted to see the young driver reach Supercars.

GRM director Barry Rogers said returning to Bathurst was about celebrating his father’s contribution to Australian motorsport.

“My motivation for wanting to return to Supercars and race at the 2026 Bathurst 1000 was in memory and out of respect for my dad, Garry Rogers,” Rogers said.

“Dad always supported young people, Nathan Herne won the 2022 Trans Am Series as a 19-year-old under the tutelage of Garry.

“To have him joined by James Moffat, who dad was tremendously fond of and also a GRM Trans Am Champion, is a very fitting lineup.”

Herne has enjoyed considerable success since his unsuccessful attempt to make his Bathurst debut in 2020, including becoming a two-time Trans Am Cup Series champion.

He currently leads the 2026 Trans Am title race ahead of Moffat, despite competing for his own operation.

“We tried back in 2020 and weren’t successful at getting everything across the line,” Herne said.

“Coming back all these years later with GRM and with all the new experiences I’ve had in my career since that time, I’m absolutely a better driver and person for it.”

Moffat brings considerable Bathurst experience to the wildcard, having made 16 consecutive starts in the Great Race.

He raced for GRM in Supercars during 2016 and 2017 and has remained an important part of the team’s racing program, winning the 2023 Trans Am title.

“To be heading back to Bathurst with GRM is going to be very special,” Moffat said.

“I’m very much looking forward to lending my experience to the whole wildcard program and being able to help guide Nathan Herne through his first Bathurst 1000 start.”

GRM’s return also revives its long-running relationship with Valvoline, which dates back to 1988 and includes the team’s famous 2000 Bathurst 1000 victory.

The Camaro will increase General Motors representation to 10 cars for this year’s Great Race, to be held from October 8-11.