Phillip Island GT entry confirmed

The 500-kilometre race – set to be the longest in AGT history – replaces the Phillip Island 101 format used up until last year. The new format includes two compulsory stops, although three will be more likely so that drivers don’t break the 55 per cent maximum driving time limit, with a handicapped stop time based on driver seedings.

The grid will be set by an average time across two qualifying sessions, one for each driver.

There are 19 cars entered for the first of four long distance races, with some high profile names joining the regular field. Supercars regular Garth Tander has been re-signed by the Valvoline-backed Audi squad, and will team up with Geoff Emery. Tim Miles will share with Carrera Cup young gun Jaxon Evans in the other car.

There will be a number of Supercars endurance drivers in action as well, with DJR Team Penske co-driver Tony D’Alberto joining Max Twigg in a Mercedes, while Nissan’s David Russell will, as usual, start alongside Roger Lago in the JBS Lamborghini.

HSV Racing co-driver Warren Luff will share a McLaren with Fraser Ross, while Triple Eight driver Steve Richards will lead the way for factory-backed BMW squad BMW Team SRM, sharing his M6 with regular teammate James Bergmuller.

Australian GT points leader Liam Talbot will run the sole Porsche in the field, paired with John Martin.