More than 50 GT cars are expected to tackle the famous Phillip Island circuit at next week’s Shannons SpeedSeries opening round as GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and Monochrome GT4 Australia kick off their seasons in style.
With a full capacity Monochrome GT4 Australia grid and additional manufacturers joining GT World Challenge Australia, there is plenty to get excited about as both categories launched their seasons at the official media day on Tuesday.
For Monochrome GT4 Australia, a record 34 entries at next week’s opening round of the year highlights its rapid rise as one of the country’s destination categories since becoming a standalone series with SRO Motorsports Australia in 2024.
Already seeing a significant increase of entries during last year’s season, the series continues to grow substantially as drivers from both Australia and around the world lock in their place on the grid.
All defending champions are set to return to defend their titles, including Silver Cup winner Tom Hayman and reigning Silver-Am champions Aaron Seton and Jason Gomersall, while two-time Am Cup champion Jacob Lawrence has moved into the Silver-Am class with 2024 class champion Lachlan Mineeff.
Eight brands have also been confirmed for the season opener, highlighting the diverse support from manufacturers around the world.
In GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, there will be the exciting addition of McLaren, as the series’ manufacturer total increases to seven for the 2026 season.
The introduction of McLaren is a major boost for GT World Challenge Australia, which already boasts representation from powerhouse brands Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.
The series’ star studded field will include a mix of returning drivers and new faces – all of whom are looking to battle it out on track, while there are still some big names to be announced in the coming week.
With both of SRO Motorsports Australia’s categories continuing to grow, the 2026 season is ready to shine, starting off with the highly anticipated LIQUI MOLY GT Festival Phillip Island on 27-29 March, Round 1 of the Shannons SpeedSeries, where all four races will be broadcast live and exclusively on FOX SPORTS and Kayo SPORTS.
QUOTES
Ben McMellan
CEO SRO Motorsports Australia
“We’re really pleased with the response from teams and manufacturers for the upcoming season and having more than 50 cars for the season opener at Phillip Island reassures us that we’re on the right path,” McMellan said.
“We also couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year in Monochrome GT4 Australia with the 34-grid for Phillip Island at capacity. We have also had a lot of interest from previous competitors to join us at later rounds, while also welcoming a number of new drivers too to the fold.
“I am really looking forward to the continued growth for GT racing in Australia, which I would like thank all the competitors, manufacturers and our partners for their unwavering support.”