The 2026 Bathurst chapter gets underway tonight when the spotlights shine firmly on the co-drivers of this year's Enduro Cup campaign. The Codriver Clash was introduced as an incentive for these drivers to earn an early invitation to the following season's grid, and it has already produced some incredible highlights in its short history.

It is a unique race that gives teams an early opportunity to stack their cars and drivers up against the rest of the field ahead of the weekend's main event. For the co-drivers, it is also a chance to showcase their own talents without the pressure of carrying their main driver's championship campaign.

Three Golden Tickets Up for Grabs

In 2026, the Golden Ticket opportunity expands from one driver to three for the first time. That could make for a very different race, with the reduced pressure potentially allowing drivers to be more strategic in how they approach the 32-lap battle.

One Compulsory Pit Stop will again be required, with fuel unable to stretch the full distance. That creates a wide strategy window and, depending on how the Safety Car plays into the race, gives teams plenty of opportunities to engineer a race-winning strategy.

Can Lobs Esports Make it Three?

So far, this event has belonged to Lobs Esports, with Ryan Wood and Thomas McMillan taking victory in the previous two editions. Given Lobs' dominance over the past two seasons, those results have hardly come as a surprise.

This year, however, their Enduro Cup form has been much less convincing. The team has managed just one top five across the opening two races, leaving the door open for the rest of the field.

Looking at recent form, Trans Tasman Racing and Eclipse SimSports appear to be the teams most likely to challenge for victory. TTR claimed a one-two finish at the Phillip Island 500, while Eclipse produced a one-four finish at Sandown if the Dörr Esports by SX #56 entry is included as part of the stable.

Liyanage the Driver to Beat?

In isolation, the standout favourite tonight has to be Rehan Liyanage.

Despite his young age, Rehan has already established himself as a professional-level co-driver after sitting alongside former championship winner Madison Down in 2025 and Emily Jones this season.

His 2026 campaign has been impressive. He helped take victory in the Phillip Island 500 and followed that with a top five finish at Sandown, leaving the TTR #51 sitting at the top of the Trueforce Enduro Cup standings with just one round remaining.

His speed is not limited to race conditions either. At Sandown, Liyanage took the reins for qualifying and produced a spectacular pole position against the main game drivers.

Experience on the TTR Side

Sticking with Trans Tasman Racing, the second-placed car in the Trueforce Enduro Cup is the #29 Mustang shared by Jake Moloney and Richard Hamstead.

Hamstead needs little introduction when it comes to iRacing Supercars competition. A former full-time V8PRO driver and one of the early pioneers of the game, Richard brings a wealth of experience and composure to the TTR lineup.

That experience could prove invaluable around Mount Panorama, making him one of the co-drivers to keep an eye on when the green flag drops.

Eclipse Brings Serious Firepower

Eclipse SimSports will also be among the favourites, with a stacked lineup that includes several former full-time V8PRO drivers.

Among them is Griffin Gardiner, the 2024 Series runner-up, along with current Supercars driver Jobe Stewart. Stewart and Matthew Bowler went to victory lane together in the Sandown 500 just a few weeks ago, giving the pairing plenty of confidence heading into Bathurst.

Gianni Lutzu, who finished runner-up in the 2024 Enduro Cup, will also be on the grid, while Kody Deith brings championship-winning experience after being part of the 2025 GTPRO Series title-winning team.

Don't Count Lobs Out Yet

While Lobs Esports has yet to fire a major shot in the 2026 Enduro Cup, that does not mean the potential is not there.

A refreshed lineup will take to the mountain this weekend, with 2023 Sandown 500 winner Harley Haber stepping into Jarrad Filsell's #97 Camaro. Shane Van Gisbergen is also expected to make an appearance alongside Brad Newman, adding some serious firepower to an already star-studded stable.

Jayden Ojeda will also be looking to build on his impressive podium at Phillip Island alongside Andrew Gilliam, while Richie Stanaway once again joins Luke Rosella. The pair famously won the Bathurst 1000 in 2024 on their way to outright Enduro Cup honours.

Plenty of Familiar Names

The depth of the field extends well beyond the major contenders.

Evolution Racing Team welcomes Ethan Grigg-Gault back into the co-driver seat. He is a driver who is always expected to find his way towards the front of the field.

Synergy Sim Racing will also field plenty of familiar faces, with Shawn McNamara, Jordan Ross, Dylan O'Shea and Brady Baldwin all returning as co-drivers after competing full-time last season.

Former Sandown 500 podium finisher Fawzan El-Nabi will team up with Josh Anderson and brings plenty of known speed around Bathurst. Thomas Freeman has also enjoyed a strong 2026 Enduro Cup campaign alongside Robbie Gibbs and currently sits third in the Trueforce Enduro Cup standings.

Jamie Dike, Tyson Broad and Sebastian Varndell will round out a group of former main game drivers looking to make their mark.

Anything Can Happen at Mount Panorama

More than the drivers, teams or recent form, it is Bathurst itself that sets this race apart from anything else on the calendar.

The variability around Mount Panorama is almost impossible to predict. Throw changing weather, Safety Cars, strategy and 32 laps of racing into the mix and picking a winner becomes an almost impossible task.

That is exactly what makes the Codriver Clash so exciting.

Three Golden Tickets are up for grabs, and every driver on the grid will have their eyes firmly fixed on one of them.

Join us from 7:45pm AEST tonight for all the action as the co-drivers take on Mount Panorama and battle for their chance to secure a place on the 2027 Logitech G V8PRO Series grid.