Ford has confirmed the Mustang GT3 will compete in the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour, marking the first time the model will take on the iconic endurance race at Mount Panorama. The event is scheduled for 13–15 February 2026 and will form part of Ford’s expanding global GT racing program.
The entry will be run in partnership with Haupt Racing Team under the HRT Ford Racing banner. The German-based team played a leading role in the Mustang GT3’s European campaign in 2025, recording overall and class victories at the Nürburgring and securing the model’s first championship title in the ADAC GT Masters.
Announcing the program, Ford Racing Global Sports Car Manager Alex Allmandinger said the Bathurst 12 Hour represents a significant milestone for the Mustang GT3.
“Being able to take the Mustang GT3 to Mount Panorama is a milestone moment for Mustang and Ford Racing,” Allmandinger said. “Like racing at Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring or Spa, competing on ‘The Mountain’ gives an entirely new line of sight on our commitment to international motorsports.”
Ford has a long history at Bathurst, including recent success in the Bathurst 1000 and high-profile demonstration runs such as the SuperVan 4.2 and its electric performance demonstrator. However, the 12-hour endurance format presents a new challenge.
“But racing in the 12 Hour, that is a new and exciting challenge we are looking forward to taking on,” Allmandinger said.
The Bathurst program also forms part of a broader Mustang motorsport strategy in Australia. Alongside the GT3 entry, Ford plans to introduce the Dark Horse R and a single-make Mustang Cup series locally in March, creating a pathway that links grassroots competition through to top-tier GT racing.
“With the GT3 above and the Dark Horse R below, our championship-winning Mustang GT4 provides a complete link for competitors hoping to stand on the podium at Bathurst one day,” Allmandinger said.
Ford said Australia remains a critical market within its global motorsport ambitions, with the Mustang positioned as a core platform across multiple categories.
“We are in an incredible period of growth,” Allmandinger said. “From Dark Horse R, GT4 and Supercars, to GT3 and everything in-between, we are dedicated to winning motorsport’s biggest races with the Mustang.”
The Mustang GT3’s appearance at the Bathurst 12 Hour will add another manufacturer storyline to the endurance classic and further expand the model’s presence in global GT racing.
