The 2025 Australian motorsport season officially kicked off today as the world’s best GT racers descended on Mount Panorama for the highly anticipated Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour. Known as Australia’s International Enduro, the once-around-the-clock endurance race is set to showcase thrilling battles, global motorsport stars, and top-tier machinery at one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
Festivities Begin with Track to Town
The action in Bathurst started today with the traditional Track to Town event, where the entire Bathurst 12 Hour grid made its way from the Mount Panorama Circuit into the heart of Bathurst CBD. The annual spectacle saw thousands of passionate fans lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite drivers and teams ahead of this weekend’s main event.
Valentino Rossi Returns to Bathurst
One of the biggest names on this year’s grid is MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who returns to Mount Panorama in a BMW M4 GT3 for Team WRT. The Italian motorsport icon, known for his illustrious two-wheeled career, made his Bathurst 12 Hour debut in 2024, where his No. 46 BMW showed strong pace before encountering difficulties in wet conditions. This year, Rossi will be hoping for a smoother run as he aims to contend for victory on the legendary circuit.
Matt Campbell Eyes Consecutive Titles
Aussie racing star Matt Campbell has touched down in Australia fresh off a podium finish at last weekend’s Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. The Queenslander is back on home soil with his sights firmly set on winning back-to-back Bathurst 12 Hour titles—and claiming his third overall victory at the endurance classic.
Campbell, who hails from Warwick, will take the wheel of the No. 911 Porsche 911 GT3R when practice sessions kick off tomorrow. With experience, momentum, and home-crowd support on his side, the Porsche ace will be one to watch throughout the event.
Supercars Stars Join the Grid
This year’s Bathurst 12 Hour will once again provide local talent the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best GT drivers. A strong contingent of Repco Supercars Championship drivers have joined the 2025 entry list, adding even more excitement to the field.
Reigning Supercars champion Will Brown has teamed up with Chaz Mostert in an Arise GT Ferrari, forming a formidable duo with a wealth of Bathurst experience. Meanwhile, Tickford Racing teammates Cam Waters and Thomas Randle have joined forces with seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes in a Scott Taylor Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3. With such high-profile local drivers in the mix, the battle between Australian stars and international contenders promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Race Weekend Schedule and Where to Watch – Bathurst 12 Hour
On-track action at the 2025 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour officially begins tomorrow, with practice sessions giving teams a chance to fine-tune their cars ahead of the gruelling 12-hour endurance race. The main event will get underway at 5:15 a.m. AEDT on Sunday, testing drivers’ skill, strategy, and endurance across one of the most challenging circuits in the world.
Fans can catch live coverage of the Bathurst 12 Hour on the Seven Network and Foxtel, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action.
For those looking to experience the thrill of the race in person, tickets, camping, and corporate experiences remain available via the official event website: www.bathurst12hour.com.au.
As the world’s best GT drivers prepare to take on the Mountain, all eyes will be on Rossi, Campbell, and the local Supercars stars as they battle for glory in one of endurance racing’s most demanding events.