Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia2026-02-12 to 2026-02-15
About This Event
The opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge since the championship's inception in 2016 — a 12-hour GT3 endurance race on the 6.213km Mount Panorama street circuit. The anti-clockwise layout climbs and descends 174 vertical metres across 23 corners, including the 1.9km Conrod Straight and technical sections like The Dipper and Skyline.
What to Expect
Three GT3 classes compete alongside Porsche Carrera Cup and GT4 invitational entries
Capacity grid featuring factory-backed programs from multiple manufacturers
General admission includes paddock access behind race team garages
Race begins before dawn at 5:45am AEDT on Sunday
Support racing features Combined Sports Cars and Sedans with 55-car capacity field
Best Way to Experience It
Spectator shuttle service runs between mountain top and bottom viewing areas
Six big screens positioned trackside including at McPhillamy Park and Hell Corner
Reserved grandstand seating available as upgrade from general admission
Good to Know
Children 12 and under receive free admission with paying adult
Free public parking available at main gate off Mount Panorama Avenue
Priority parking near Gate 4 available for pre-purchase
Mid-February weather typically reaches mid-20s Celsius with extreme UV index
Circuit located 10-minute drive from Bathurst town center, three hours west of Sydney
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value motorsport heritage — 23rd running since 1991 revival, Mount Panorama's 174-meter elevation sends GT3s climbing Mountain Straight before Conrod's 1.916km descent at 280+ km/h through 23 turns.
Best fit if you enjoy championship finales — Intercontinental GT Challenge season opener since 2016, 12 factory teams across 35 entries with full championship points at stake, determines early title contenders across 12-hour once-around-the-clock format.
Best fit if you value historic venues — 6.213km public road circuit used daily by residents, paddock access included with AU$82 three-day general admission, kids 12-under free, sold-out camping among 55,000+ attendees creates festival atmosphere.
Not ideal if you prioritize comfort-first viewing — Summer February temperatures 25-28°C, 174-meter climb to Skyline viewing areas, minimal shade across public road hillsides, 23 turns across 6.213km circuit requires significant walking between vantage points.
