Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour organisers have released this year’s final, 62-car entry list.

While down two on the record 64 cars which took to the start of the 2017 edition, the figure represents an increase in the number of Production Car-classified vehicles after five now-ineligible Saloon Cars were entered last year.

The 2018 field features 17 different makes and 38 different models, including 33 cars across the Extreme Performance classes A1 (Forced Induction) and A2 (Normally Aspirated).

Among the A1 ranks are the Australian Production Car series-winning Sherrin Rentals BMW M4, Morcom Motorsport’s Ford Focus RS, Mark Eddy’s Audi TT RS, and Dylan Thomas’ Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X RS.

As reported by Speedcafe.com, Craig Baird will join Garth Walden in the latter’s Mercedes-AMG A45, while former APC title-winner Beric Lynton will campaign a brand-new BMW M3 and Jeremy Gray will bring back a Ford Falcon FG II GT-F.

In Class B1 (High Performance Forced Induction), MARC Cars Australia will run the 2016 race-winning BMW 335i.

BMW and Holden, the latter of which dominates the A2 class entries, have the greatest representation with 11 cars each.

Event Director James O’Brien hailed the news of yet another 60-plus field.

“The fact we have seen an overall increase in Production Cars and another grid of more than 60 entries proves the ongoing appeal of the event,” he said.

“The depth of competition continues to grow, and we expect to see very close and hard-fought battles for the podium positions in each of the seven classes throughout the weekend.

“More later-model cars continue to be built for the race, though we are pleased it remains an avenue for privateer runners and family teams on a modest budget to be able to compete at Mount Panorama.

“We have some exciting announcements to make in the coming weeks that will add to the event and make it even bigger than ever in 2018.”

Luke Searle and Paul Morris won last year’s race in a BMW M135i.

The 2018 Bathurst 6 Hour will be held on March 30-April 1.

Entry list: Bathurst 6 Hour