Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Make Bathurst 12H Debut

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R will make its debut in the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour next year as the brand makes its first appearance at the Australian enduro in over a decade.

Announced Thursday, the GT3 car will be on the grid for the Intercontinental GT Challenge season opener, which will be held on Feb. 13-15.

While details regarding teams and drivers have not been revealed, Sportscar365 understands that Johor Motorsports JMR is likely to field the Corvette Z06 GT3.R at Mount Panorama, potentially with a two-car entry.

The Malaysian squad raced two Corvettes in GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS this year and also represented the brand in the Suzuka 1000km last month, notably entering a Pro car driven by Corvette factory drivers Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims as well as NTT IndyCar Series star Scott McLaughlin.

Bathurst is scheduled one week after the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series season finale, where the team will compete with two cars.

Corvette has only had a minor presence at the Bathurst 12H since the event became a GT3 race in 2011.

In 2013, Australian squad Trofeo Motorsport entered a Corvette Z06-R with a lineup featuring former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli, but the car retired after 127 laps.

“Bathurst is one of the most prestigious GT races in the world and it means a tremendous amount to me personally to be able to bring the program here,” said Corvette Racing program manager Jess Dane.

“The GT3 platform allows us to compete in global regions that we never have before, and I’m so excited to bring the Z06 GT3.R to our Australian and New Zealand fans for the first time at one of my all-time favorite events.”

Bathurst 12H event director Shane Rudzis added: “The Meguair’s Bathurst 12 Hour welcomes the addition of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

“This is something the fans have been eagerly wanting to see for a long time.

“To have the Corvette competing against the European manufacturers, is going to make for a highly anticipated matchup come February.”