Bathurst 12-Hour secured for next decade
James Crocker reports that a deal has been signed for the next 10 years
By James Crocker
Supercars and Bathurst Regional Council have announced a long-term deal that will see the Bathurst 12-Hour continue for at least another decade, alongside confirmation of a February 13-15 date for the 2026 event.
The 2026 edition will mark the 10th under Supercars control and the 10th as a part of SRO’s Intercontinental GT Challenge and will once again kick off the global GT3 tour that heads to iconic tracks Nürburgring, Spa, Suzuka and Indianapolis.
Acting mayor of Bathurst, Ben Fry, expressed his delight at securing the event’s future, calling the event a shot of ‘economic espresso.’
“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” he said.
“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.”
The February 13-15 date for next year’s race represents a slight shift for the event, having moved between first and second weeks of the month since its full return after the pandemic.
The later date also means that the event has avoided a clash with the Asian Le Mans series finale at Yas Marina, in what is a busy opening month of the year for the stars of the sportscar world.
“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,” event director Shane Rudzis said.
“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 contribute 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.”
