The Bathurst 12 Hour is gearing up for an exciting showdown, and motorsport fans are buzzing with anticipation. This annual endurance race promises thrilling performances from some of the best drivers and teams around the world. As teams prepare at Mount Panorama, this year’s event showcases not just fierce competition but also unexpected twists that could change everything.
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BMW Leads the Charge
In the first practice session, all eyes were on the #32 BMW M4, driven by Kelvin van der Linde, who zoomed around the track with an impressive lap time of 2:02.900 seconds. This lap time not only put him at the top of the chart but also set the pace for the rest of the day. Following closely were Kenny Habul, Jules Gounon, and Luca Stolz in the #75 Mercedes-AMG, who finished just 0.3 seconds behind, showing that the race will be highly contested.
Withdrawal Impacts the Race
However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. There was a notable setback in the lineup when 111 Racing withdrew from this year’s event due to a last-minute sponsor withdrawal. Drivers Darren Currie and Axle Donaldson were all set to enter with their Mercedes-AMG GT3 but sadly, they couldn’t secure the necessary funding, which forced them to pull out. This unfortunate turn of events has brought the number of participating cars down to 22, but 111 Racing is aiming to return stronger in 2026.
Unexpected Performances and Involvement
Amid all this drama, the #9 Hallmarc Racing Audi R8 LMS made a surprising appearance by finishing sixth in the practice sessions, catching many by surprise. Scott Andrews in the Tigani Motorsport Audi also made waves by leading the Pro-Am class, showing off his skills on the track as he vies for victory.
Joining in the Fun
For those eager to be part of this exciting event, tickets are still available for the Bathurst 12 Hour! There’s nothing quite like witnessing the roar of engines and the thrill of tight competition live. So mark your calendars and grab your tickets; this is an event you won’t want to miss!
| Position | Car | Driver | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW M4 | Kelvin van der Linde | 2:02.900 |
| 2 | Mercedes-AMG | Kenny Habul / Jules Gounon / Luca Stolz | +0.3 seconds |
| 3 | Mercedes-AMG | Team GMR | +0.521 seconds |
| 4 | BMW M4 | Maxime Martin | – |
| 5 | Audi R8 LMS | Lee Holdsworth | – |
As we move closer to race day, the excitement will only continue to build. With fierce competitors and a rich history, the Bathurst 12 Hour is shaping up to be a sensational event that every motorsport fan in Australia—and around the world—will be watching closely. So, gear up and stay tuned as we bring you more updates leading up to this exhilarating race!