Earl Bamber Motorsport to Compete in 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour
Date: October 6, 2023
Location: Mount Panorama, Australia
Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour champions, has confirmed its entry into the 2026 edition of the race with support from Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific. This marks the team’s third participation in the prestigious Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) event at Mount Panorama.
EBM will field a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) in the Pro class, featuring a driver lineup of Klaus Bachler, Ricardo Feller, and Laurin Heinrich. Bachler, the reigning FIA WEC LMGT3 champion, will make his Bathurst debut after a missed opportunity in 2024 due to shipping delays that impacted his previous team, HubAuto Racing.
“I’ve always wanted to race at Mount Panorama,” Bachler stated. “The track looks fantastic, and the event atmosphere is unique. I’m excited to work with Laurin and Ricardo again, and with EBM, a team experienced in endurance racing.”
Feller brings considerable Bathurst experience, having competed since 2022 and finishing on the Pro-Am podium in 2023. “I’m really looking forward to racing at Bathurst again,” Feller commented. “Our goal is clear: we want to fight for podium places.”
Heinrich, a Porsche factory driver, returns for his second Bathurst outing, having previously qualified on Pro-Am pole and secured a second-place finish in 2025. “Returning to Bathurst in a Pro car makes it even more special,” Heinrich noted, highlighting his previous experience with EBM during the successful Thailand Super Series.
EBM’s debut in the Bathurst 12 Hour resulted in a dramatic victory in 2019, while their title defense in 2020 remains their only other participation. Since then, EBM has maintained a strong partnership with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, taking part in events such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the Suzuka 1000KM.
In addition to its Pro entry, EBM will assist Team NZ’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 at the 2026 race, reinforcing the shared heritage of the teams. The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, which serves as the opening round of the IGTC, is scheduled for February 13-15, 2026.
