Mercedes-AMG customer team GWR Australia has updated its driver line-up for next weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour, with Michael Sheargold no longer featuring in its #45 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.
The withdrawal of Sheargold, one of the team’s Bronze-rated drivers, means that the car now crewed by Brett Hobson, Dylan O’Keeffe and Garth Walden is no longer eligible for Pro-Am.
The team has therefore moved to Silver, where it is currently the only announced entry.
RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia regular Sheargold had been set to make his second-ever 12 Hour start, having previously competed alongside Hobson and Walden during the team’s only other appearance at the race in 2022.
Team owner Walden and reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion O’Keeffe are both chasing their third class win at the event. Walden won his class in successive years during the race’s production car era, whilst O’Keeffe secured Class B honours in 2017 and Silver victory in 2023.
“I enjoyed some success at the 12 Hour in the production car era, but my goal is to replicate that success in a GT3 car,” Walden said.
“With more cars, there’s obviously a higher chance of incidents in the early laps, so the recipe for success will be avoiding car-to-car contact in the first 10 hours, and making the right strategy calls during the Safety Car periods that will inevitably occur.
“Obviously, the Silver Class victory is our priority; in terms of the outright positions, a top 12 finish would be an outstanding result for us given the depth of competition across the field, especially in the Pro Class.”
The 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour will be held on the weekend of 13th to 15th February 2026. The final entry list for the race, including drivers, is set to be released later this week.
Image courtesy of Bathurst 12 Hour
