2026 Autobacs SUPER GT Series Entry List Announced
The GT Association (GTA) has unveiled the entry list for the 2026 Autobacs SUPER GT Series, featuring a full grid of 43 cars. The GT500 class will now consist of 14 entries, following the withdrawal of one Nissan Z NISMO GT500, while the GT300 category expands to 29 competitors.
Class Dynamics
Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have confirmed their driver line-ups for GT500, maintaining consistency with established driver pairings. Notably, TGR Team au TOM’S will continue with its traditional number 36, forgoing the option to run the number 1 reserved for reigning champions Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita.
Management Changes
Significant personnel shifts include Tsugio Matsuda, a two-time GT500 Champion, stepping in as Team Director at NISMO. Takuya Izawa, previously a driver with Honda, will lead Modulo Nakajima Racing, succeeding Satoru Nakajima. Keiichi Tsuchiya, known as the “Drift King,” will now direct the #16 ARTA Mugen Honda HRC Prelude-GT.
Tyre Regulations
The 2026 season marks the final year of multi-make tyre competition in the GT500 category. The majority of teams will utilize Bridgestone Potenza tyres, while Modulo Nakajima Racing shifts to Dunlop, and TGR Team WedsSport Bandoh opts for Yokohama Advan.
GT300 Developments
The GT300 grid consists of 10 manufacturers and 14 distinct vehicle models, including the returning BMW M4 GT3 EVO, and new iterations of the Ferrari 296 GT3 and Porsche 911 GT3 R. Yokohama tyres will equip 17 of the 29 cars, with the remainder using Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Michelin tyres exclusive to this class.
New Entrants and Driver Changes
Newcomer Team Eneos ROOKIE is set to debut a #32 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, driven by 2007 GT300 Champion Hiroaki Ishiura alongside rookie Tokiya Suzuki. Velorex has re-signed Niklas Krütten, who will partner Yoshiaki Katayama in the #6 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo. PONOS Racing retains its driver lineup while switching to Yokohama tyres after two seasons with Dunlop.
D’station Racing will field Tomonobu Fujii and Charlie Fagg in the #777 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO for a third consecutive year. Meanwhile, the sole surviving GT300 Mother Chassis, the #5 Toyota Dome 86 MC from Team Mach, will return, with Yusuke Shiotsu confirmed as one driver.
Pending Announcements
JLOC has announced only Daniil Kvyat as a confirmed driver, and updates on Porsche’s seven x seven Racing team are anticipated as negotiations continue regarding additional driver signings.
As the 2026 season approaches, key vacancies remain including Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 customers Tomei Sports and NILZZ Racing, poised to finalize their driver line-ups.
The forthcoming season promises to present exhilarating competition across both classes, reflecting the dynamic landscape of Japanese GT racing.
