The 2014 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 grid stands as the smallest in the history of The Great Race, but again promises to provide an intriguing 161 lap contest.

Despite reaching out for wildcard entries the field is set at 26, one less than the previous lowest in 2008 and 32 below the V8 Supercars-era record of 1999.

The line-up consists of the 25 regular V8 Supercars Championship entries, plus a single wildcard from new Kiwi outfit Super Black Racing.

Red Bull Racing Australia’s form in recent events, including the recent Sandown 500, ensures that the Holden squad will go in as firm favourites, particularly with its #1 Jamie Whincup/Paul Dumbrell entry.

There are no shortage of teams aiming to knock-off the benchmark outfit however.

The contenders are led by Red Bull’s fellow Commodore runners the Holden Racing Team, which scored a strong two-three result at Sandown.

Reigning Bathurst 1000 winners Ford Performance Racing, Red Bull customer squad Tekno Autosports and the ever-quick Volvo Polestar Racing are among others poised to figure strongly throughout the category’s biggest weekend.

Tell us who you think will win The Great Race in this week’s Pirtek Poll.