Corvette to race at Bathurst

Two years after it made its global competition debut in the USA, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R will race in Australia. Entered for the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour (B12H), the upcoming event will mark the first start on Aussie soil for the Z06 GT3.R.

Built to FIA GT3 regulations, the Z06 GT3.R is a collaboration between GM’s Competition Motorsports Engineering division and Pratt Miller Engineering. Using the production Corvette Z06 as a base, conversion to GT3.R spec by Pratt Miller includes fitting a purpose-built steel roll cage, adding race-spec springs and shocks to the stock double-wishbone suspension configuration, plus 18-inch wheels, and race-specific brake rotors, calipers and pads.

The track-only GT3.R retains the Z06’s 5.5-litre flat-plane crank DOHC V8 that produces 500kW and 624Nm in factory form but adds race-specific parts and is tunable. In the US, the factory eight-speed DCT is replaced with a six-speed sequential manual for racing, but whether this will be fitted to the B12H entry is unconfirmed.

A model-specific aero package includes a front diffuser, underbody elements and rear wing to optimise downforce, stability, drag reduction and cooling, while also meeting BOP settings.

"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 Jessica Dane, formerly with Triple Eight Race Engineering in Supercars and now Corvette Racing Program Manager in the US.

“The GT3 platform allows us to compete in 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 favourite events."

GM ANZ Managing Director, Jess Bala, adds: “It’s incredibly exciting for us to welcome the Corvette Z06 GT3.R down under. Many passionate Corvette enthusiasts will love to see this ultimate version of the car at Bathurst."

The team and drivers for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry will be announced closer to the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, which will take place on 13-15 February. For more details and event updates, go to: bathurst12hour.com.au