New Zealand endurance ace Earl Bamber will headline Johor Motorsports Racing’s assault on the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour as Chevrolet Corvette makes its first-ever appearance at the iconic Mount Panorama endurance classic.
JMR has assembled a world-class Pro line-up for the historic debut, with Bamber joined by fellow Corvette Racing factory drivers Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg in a full Pro entry.
The Bathurst 12 Hour marks Bamber’s first race with JMR and his first start for the team at Mount Panorama. The 35-year-old brings a formidable endurance résumé, including overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2017 and a Nürburgring 24 Hour win in 2023.
Bamber is relishing the opportunity to tackle one of the world’s great endurance races alongside familiar Corvette teammates.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Bathurst and getting back in the Corvette with Nicky and Alex. I had really great times with them at IMSA in 2024, and I’m excited to work with them again. I know a lot of the JMR guys as well, and they’re putting out fast cars with the Corvettes. Hopes are high. I can’t wait to get back to one of the greatest races in the world.”
The Pro squad will race the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, the same car JMR has campaigned to race wins and podiums in GT World Challenge Asia and the Suzuka 1000km.
JMR will also field a Pro-Am entry alongside its headline Pro attack, with team owner Prince Jefri Ibrahim joined by regular JMR drivers Ben Green and Jordan Love.
The Bathurst 12 Hour opens Australia’s 2026 motorsport season and launches the Intercontinental GT Challenge, with 36 cars across 12 manufacturers set to take the start from February 13–15.
Header Image: JHR
