Fifty four cars have entered the 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, setting up a race that looks a thriller across every class.

20 cars will travel from overseas to compete against the best GT and Production cars Australia has to offer across the February 8-10 weekend next year. The entry list reflects the steady growth experienced by the Event in recent years and the faith shown by event partners in the move to a GT format in order to attract international entrants.

The three teams that filled the top three places in the 2012 race, Phoenix Racing, Erebus Racing and Clearwater Racing, have all confirmed their return for next year against a host of new and returning entrants.

“As it always does, the entry list will likely change in its makeup in coming weeks as teams finalise their plans, but to have a 50-plus car field locked in vindicates the change to a GT3 format alongside production cars,” Said Event Director, James O’Brien.

“We are particularly pleased at the level of international interest with 20 cars coming from overseas.

“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is fast becoming a ‘must win’ race on the international GT3 calendar and the 2013 edition should provide an entertaining spectacle and enhance the Event’s reputation further.”

A breakdown of GT vehicles doing double duty and competing in the opening round of the Australian GT Championship – to include the first 50-minutes of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour – will be available soon.

See following for full entry list details – whilst more information about entry / team specifics will be forthcoming in coming weeks.

ENTRY LIST FAST FACTS;

•    54 entrants, featuring vehicles from 20 manufacturers.
•    20 international entries have been received from 10 countries; Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong, United States of America, Belgium, Switzerland and France.
•    32 cars make up the three ‘GT’ classes, GT3 Outright, GT3 and GT4. 18 cars are in the outright class – a record.
•    Six of the defending, Bathurst 12 Hour-winning Audi R8 LMSs are entered.
•    10 Porsches, two Mercedes Benz SLS AMGs, two Lamborghini Gallardo’s and two Ferrari 458’s are also entered.
•    The Ford GT, BMW Z4M and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3 will make their respective race debuts.
•    Two factory-supported Peugeot RCZs will race for the first time (the cars are entered in the I1 invitational class).
•    Making the most of the extended Invitational classes, a Daytona Coupe will compete for the first time.

2013 LIQUI-MOLY BATHURST 12 HOUR – ENTRY LIST (AS AT 14 DECEMBER 2012)