Bathurst 6 Hour 2023 Preview: Excitement Builds for the Biggest Enduro Yet

The seventh running of Australia’s Easter Enduro is set to be a breathtaking spectacle with a record-breaking 66-strong final entry list, eclipsing the previous record of 64 cars in the 2017 event.

This improved production focused race marks the fourth year and the third consecutive year that the race has attracted over 60 entries, showcasing the ever-growing popularity and excitement surrounding this thrilling event.

Last year, 63 cars battled it out in a nail-biting race that witnessed a fierce duel between Cameron Hill and Tim Slade in the closing stages. Ultimately, BMWs clinched the outright podium for the second year, further intensifying the anticipation for this year’s showdown.

With an incredible lineup of classes, makes, and models, the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour is set to deliver a high-octane racing experience appealing to fans who love high-performance street cars that have been modified for racing. No motorsport enthusiast wants to miss any event at Bathurst and this is no exception!

The 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour lineup

With 14 different brands and more than 25 models represented in the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour lineup, you can expect a thrilling race filled with exciting battles, unforgettable moments and intense competition. The diverse range of cars and drivers will undoubtedly make this year’s event a must-watch for any motorsport enthusiast.

Class X: The Fastest Contenders

Class X is anticipated to feature the most formidable competition, with 12 cars from BMW and HSV leading the pack. These high-end machines are expected to be the primary contenders for overall victory, ensuring a thrilling contest at the front of the field.

Class A: A Mix of Power and Performance

Class A is split into two subcategories, A1 (Forced Induction) and A2 (Normally aspirated), and boasts a remarkable 27 entries. A1 features a diverse mix of Mitsubishi Lancer Evos, Mercedes AMG A45s, Subarus, and Audi TTRSs, while A2 showcases a race-record 7 Ford Mustang entries, Mercedes W204 C63, Holden HSV R8 Clubsport, Lexus RC F and HSV GTS.

Class B and Class C: A Range of Brands and Styles

Class B and Class C are poised to deliver thrilling contests with various vehicles and marques. A diverse mix of BMW, Holden, and Subaru entries comprise Class B, while Class C shines with 11 ‘hot hatches’ representing esteemed brands like Renault, HSV, Mini Cooper, VW, and Mazda.

Class D and Class E: A Showdown of Icons

Class D appears to be shaping up as a showdown between the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ brigade and Mazda’s RX8, offering fans a chance to witness iconic cars going head-to-head. Meanwhile, a pair of Mazda 3 entries complete the field in Class E, adding even more variety to the already impressive lineup.

Full 2023 Bathurst 6 hour entry list is here.

Talent on the grid

The 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour features an impressive lineup of drivers, with a blend of legendary motorsport figures and rising talents from various backgrounds. This year’s event showcases a unique mix of skill and experience that is sure to make the race even more thrilling and unpredictable.

The grid is packed with well-known motorsport names such as Marcos Ambrose, Will Davison, Anton de Pasquale, John Bowe and Tony D’Alberto. These seasoned drivers are joined by an array of talents from all walks of life, adding depth and diversity to the competition.

Family connections also play a significant role in this year’s event, with nine cars featuring two members of the same family. Brothers Grant and Iain Sherrin, former race winners, will be among the family duos battling it out on the track. Cousins Ben and Jude Bargwanna represent the third generation of their family to tackle the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit.

Tony Quinn will be racing alongside his grandson, Ryder, showcasing the power of intergenerational bonds in the world of motorsports. Additionally, four father and son combinations are set to compete in the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour, including the duo of Darryl and Henderson Leslight from Ulladulla, New South Wales. The Leslights will race a VW Golf GTI in Class D, proving that family passion for racing transcends generations.

Class victory contenders

The absence of the last few outright race winners has left the door wide open for a new champion to emerge at the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour. But still, several competitors return to defend their class victories from last year, vying for a spot in the record books.

Mike Sheargold, who won Class A1 in both 2021 and 2022 driving his Mercedes AMG A45, is back to defend his title. If he succeeds, he will become the first driver in Bathurst 6 Hour history to win their class three times, let alone achieve this feat in consecutive years.

Several other drivers also want back-to-back Bathurst victories in their respective classes. Defending winners Tony Quinn and Grant Denyer (Class A2), Jake Camilleri / Scott Nicholas (Class C), and David Wooler (Class E) all return to make their mark on the prestigious event.

Manufacturers in the spotlight

The 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour is set to be a fierce battleground for class victory contenders, as they fight to etch their names in the annals of motorsport history. 

BMW leads the charge as the most represented manufacturer, with 14 entries:

• BMW – 14 entries
• Holden/HSV – 10 entries
• Ford – 7 entries
• Mazda – 5 entries
• Mitsubishi – 4 entries
• Volkswagen – 4 entries
• Subaru – 3 entries
• Toyota – 2 entries
• Audi – 1 entry
• Honda – 1 entry
• Lexus – 1 entry
• Mini – 1 entry

The wide range of manufacturers highlights the diverse range of vehicles competing in the 2023 Bathurst 6 Hour, ensuring an exciting and unpredictable race.

2023 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour track schedule

Bathurst 6 Hour ticket information is available via the event website.

Watching the race

For fans who can’t make it to Mount Panorama, the race will be broadcast live on Stan Sport and the Nine Network in Australia. International viewers can stream the event online at www.speedseries.com.au/TV.

Experience the thrill of Bathurst firsthand

Are you ready to check off an item from your ultimate bucket list? With Fastrack Experiences, you can take the wheel of a purpose-built V8 race car and drive Bathurst’s Mount Panorama yourself!

If you want to really treat yourself, book in a premium Bathurst drive experience for the ultimate adrenaline rush, all while fulfilling your racing dreams and creating unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the chance to tackle one of the world’s most iconic tracks in a true racing machine. Alternatively, get a gift card for a loved one, giving them the unique opportunity to share in this thrilling adventure.