A GT3-spec McLaren will take on the Bathurst 12 Hour for the first time since 2020 next year, with Optimum Motorsport confirming it will make its debut at Australia’s International Endurance Race.
The British outfit has entered a single McLaren GT3 Evo, for the line-up of Garnet Patterson, Ben Barnicoat and Marvin Kirchhöfer, into the Pro class.
All three drivers bring with them prior experience of both the Bathurst Mount Panorama circuit, and the 720S GT3/GT3 Evo.
Patterson spent 2025 piloting a LMGT3-spec United Autosports McLaren in the European Le Mans Series, with the 32-year-old finishing second at the Portimāo season finale alongside Wayne Boyd and Michael Birch.
“To race for McLaren and Optimum in a Pro line-up at one of the best GT races in the world, in my home country – is an incredible opportunity,” the Australian said. “It’s a long race, but with the line-up Optimum has put together with Marvin and Ben, I’m confident we have a very strong package and a real chance of being at the front.”
2023 IMSA GTD PRO Drivers’ Champion Barnicoat is no stranger to Optimum Motorsport, having won the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series GT drivers’ title with the Optimum-run Inception Racing outfit, and more recently featuring in the team’s line-up at the 2024 24 Hours of Spa.
The Briton was also part of McLaren’s last appearance in the 12-Hour in 2020, when he finished second overall alongside Tom Blomqvist and Alvaro Parente in a Garage 59-entered 720S GT3.
“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am to be back at the Mountain. It’s my favourite track in the world and definitely one of the most iconic sportscar events there is,” Barnicoat said. “I’m extremely grateful to Optimum for presenting me with this opportunity, and to Lexus for allowing me to say yes!”
The roster is completed by current McLaren factory driver Kirchhöfer, who claimed McLaren’s maiden pole position at the 24 Hours of Spa back in June. The German, who raced for Optimum in British GT and the Asian Le Mans Series this year, finished second at Bathurst in 2019 aboard an R-Motorsport Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3.
“I’m super excited to be back racing in Bathurst for the 12-hour. Racing with Ben and Garnet is something we can all very much be excited for, it should be a great weekend for us!” Kirchhöfer commented.
“It’s been quite some time since I’ve raced in Bathurst, so I’m looking forward to being back in Australia and heading to one of my favourite tracks. I really can’t wait to get this started.”
Team Principal Shaun Goff added: “Everyone at Optimum Motorsport is delighted to confirm our entry into next year’s Bathurst 12 Hours. It’s a race we’ve been keen to do for a long time, and with our rapid pro lineup I know we can take the battle for the victory to the teams that have won it before.”
McLaren is the eighth different GT3 manufacturer to be confirmed for the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour, the most since 2020.
The 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, will be held on the weekend of 13–15 February 2026.
Feature image © SRO/JEP
