A 62-car field is set to contest next month’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, organisers have announced.

The now final entry list comprises 15 different makes of car and 35 models across eight classes, including a new one for ‘Ultimate Performance’ cars.

That is Class X, which was introduced for the 2020 race before that was cancelled due to the pandemic, and features seven BMWs plus an HSV GTS.

Among those eight entries are two M3s from the Beric Lynton BM Service team which took out the 2019 Bathurst 6 Hour, and the Sherrin Racing M4 which David Russell will share with 2018 race winner Grant Sherrin.

Russell, who has joined Erebus Motorsport for this year’s Bathurst 1000, is not the only Supercars driver in the class which should provide the outright victor, however.

Shane van Gisbergen will make his debut alongside Shane Smollen and Rob Rubis in an M4, while Tim Slade Joins Bradley Carr in an M3.

Class A1 (Extreme Performance, Forced Induction) includes Mitsubishi Lancers and Mercedes-AMG A45s, while the Ford Mustang will appear for the first time in the Bathurst 6 Hour in Class A2 (Extreme Performance, Normally Aspirated).

“Given the events of the last 12 months, we’re thrilled with the size, depth and quality of this year’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour field,” said event director Ken Collier said.

“Just 15 endurance races in the long history of racing at Mount Panorama have ever seen more than 60 cars – including the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2017 – so this year’s race is one for the record books.

“It’s particularly great to see the depth of the field throughout each class, as well as the number of new cars that have been built especially for people to tackle the race.

“The depth of driving talent throughout the field and the level of competition points towards an immensely competitive race this Easter.”

More than 150 steerers are set to race, given the extent of three-driver entries, with the complete list to be announced closer to the event.

The Bathurst 6 Hour race itself will be broadcast live on 7mate, with coverage on the screens of Seven, including of supports such as the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, on April 3 and 4.

Practice for all categories kicks off on Friday, April 2.

Entry list