GWR Australia Announces Bathurst 12 Hour Return

GWR Australia has locked in its driver line-up for its first Bathurst 12 Hour campaign since 2022, selecting last year’s Carrera Cup Australia Champion Dylan O’Keeffe and experienced GT racer Brett Hobson to join team owner Garth Walden in the RAM Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The trio will contest the Silver Class, with Walden and O’Keeffe both chasing their third class wins in the prestigious endurance race.

Walden, O’Keeffe and Hobson tested the Mercedes at Sydney Motorsport Park during the week, and are upbeat about their chances on the Mountain.

“I enjoyed some success at the 12 Hour in the production car era, but my goal is to replicate that success in a GT3 car,” Walden said.

“Dylan’s driving ability is well documented – it was a proud moment when he delivered our first outright Carrera Cup title last year.

“There’s no doubt Brett will be a strong asset to the team – he’s been part of our family for seven years, and played a significant role in our GT program. As well as racing the Mercedes and previously a Nissan in GT World Challenge Australia and a couple of Bathurst 12 Hours, he also joined us for our Dubai 24 Hour adventure in 2025.”

With the 12 Hour attracting the biggest field since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Walden said staying out of trouble in the early laps will be paramount.

“With more cars, there’s obviously a higher chance of incidents in the early laps, so the recipe for success will be avoiding car-to-car contact in the first 10 hours, and making the right strategy calls during the Safety Car periods that will inevitably occur,” he said.

“Obviously the Silver Class victory is our priority; in terms of the outright positions, a top 12 finish would be an outstanding result for us given the depth of competition across the field, especially in the Pro Class,” Walden concluded.

Bathurst 12 Hour Event Schedule

All times are AEDT

Friday, 13 February

8:45am – Practice 1 (40 min) 11:00am – Practice 2 Bronze Drivers (40 min) 2:10pm – Practice 3 (40 min) 4:40pm – Practice 4 Bronze Drivers (40 min)

Saturday, 14 February

8:05am – Practice 5 (60 min) 10:05am – Practice 6 (60 min) 1:05pm – Qualifying (75 min) 4:15pm – Pirelli Pole Battle (15 min)

Sunday, 15 February

5:45am – Race (12 hours)