Ford and Chevrolet to Join Intercontinental GT Challenge in 2026
In a significant development for the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC), American manufacturers Chevrolet and Ford will make their debut in the series during the upcoming season, marking the largest field since 2020 with a six-manufacturer lineup. This group includes returning giants BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche.
Both brands initiated their GT3 racing campaigns in 2024 in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, progressively expanding their global customer racing efforts. They participated in multiple IGTC events last season through customer teams, laying the groundwork for their official entries.
The Bathurst 12-Hour, scheduled from February 13-15, 2026, will serve as the inaugural event for both Chevrolet and Ford in the Pro class. Johor Motorsports Racing will field two Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs, one in Pro and the other in Pro-Am, while HRT Ford Racing is set to enter a Mustang GT3. The competition will also see three BMWs, two Ferraris, four Porsches, and 12 Mercedes-AMGs on the grid.
Chevrolet and Ford have yet to confirm participation in the remainder of the five-round IGTC schedule. However, Haupt Racing Team, representing Ford in Europe, has announced its return to the 24H Nürburgring following a fourth-place finish last year.
The resurgence of the IGTC to a six-manufacturer entry is notable, especially after the series struggled during the pandemic, which saw entries drop to as few as three manufacturers.
“Adding two more of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers to a resurgent IGTC underlines the series’ significance within GT3’s global environment,” stated IGTC Series Manager Abi May. “Chevrolet and Ford’s customer racing ambitions reflect a commitment to the world’s largest GT3 events.”
Further entries for the IGTC Independents Cup for Bronze-graded drivers will be announced next week, as anticipation builds for the 2026 season opener at Bathurst.
