Reporting by Speedcafe outlines that only six driver pairings remain unchanged from previous outings, with just three of those retaining familiar machinery. Triple Eight shifted to Ford, while Walkinshaw TWG Racing and Brad Jones Racing transitioned to Toyota. The 161-lap main race is scheduled to start at 11:30 am AEDT on Sunday, October 11, marking a 15-minute earlier start than the 2025 edition.
Grid Contenders and Form Guide
7News notes that pre-event expectations point toward Walkinshaw TWG following a strong showing at The Bend 500, where Chaz Mostert and Fabian Coulthard claimed an emphatic victory in their Toyota Supra. Meanwhile, Grove Racing’s Matt Payne enters with high-profile co-driver Will Davison, and the sister entry of Kai Allen and Tim Slade draws strong attention after a wet-weather second-place finish at The Bend.
History suggests that lack of pairing continuity does not preclude success on the mountain. New driver pairings have won five times in their first attempt since 2016, including Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood taking the 2024 crown with Erebus Motorsport before moving to Dick Johnson Racing for this campaign.
Broadcast and Streaming Schedule
Fans across Australia and internationally have multiple ways to follow the action across the four-day event. Live television coverage is available via Supercars official broadcast partners, with Foxtel’s Fox Sports broadcasting every session live from Thursday through Sunday. The Seven Network provides free-to-air television coverage on Seven and 7mate starting Friday.
For digital viewers, subscription streaming is accessible via Foxtel Go and Kayo Sports, while free-to-air audiences can stream sessions on 7plus Sport from Friday to Sunday. International viewers outside Australia and New Zealand can tune in through the dedicated SuperView service.