The countdown is on for one of the biggest weekends in Australian motorsport — the 2025 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour — and while the endurance main event draws plenty of attention, it’s the Trans Am and TA2 combined grid that’s turning heads with a whopping 41-car field locked in for two intense 45-minute races.

With so much talent on the grid — including Supercars drivers, Trans Am regulars, rising stars, and even international debuts — the big question is:

Who’s going to win at Mount Panorama?

The Favourite: Todd Hazelwood (#1, TFH Racing)

Let’s not overthink this — Todd Hazelwood enters the Bathurst round as the driver to beat.

The former Supercars full-timer and 2024 Trans Am Series Champion already has a Bathurst win under his belt in the past, and his mastery of the mountain, combined with his current form, makes him the top contender.

He’s not just fast — he’s strategic. Hazelwood knows how to manage long races, avoid chaos, and turn pressure into performance. Driving the #1 TFH Racing Ford Mustang, he’s backed by one of the most powerful teams in the paddock.

Why He’s Our Pick:

• Championship Leader with 122 points
  
• Fastest Driver in Practice at multiple circuits already this year
  
• Part of a 7-car TFH Racing assault — sharing data, setups, and experience
  
• Vast Bathurst Experience, which can’t be taught or faked
  

Hazelwood is the perfect blend of preparation, professionalism, and raw talent. Expect him to lead from the front.

The Contenders

While Hazelwood’s the favourite, this is Bathurst — where legends are made and anything can happen. These three contenders could easily snatch the win if the stars align.

Nash Morris (#67, Norwell Motorplex)

Son of touring car legend Paul Morris, Nash brings swagger and skill to every lap. He’s fourth in the points and has proven pace. The only question is: can he keep it clean over 45 minutes?

James Golding (#31, CTE GRM)

Currently racing full-time in Supercars with PremiAir Racing, Golding brings high-speed consistency. If he qualifies up front, he could be a serious threat — especially with GRM backing and a Mustang built to fly at Mount Panorama.

Ben Grice (#03, All American Drivelines)

A gritty, experienced racer with a love for this category. Grice is second in the points behind Hazelwood and has been knocking on the door of a big win.

Wildcards & Dark Horses

Jack Smith (#111, TFH Racing)

A wildcard in every sense. He has Supercars experience and speed but is still adjusting to the Trans Am platform. If he finds rhythm early, he’ll be hunting the podium.

Ayrton Hodson (#32, Debut)

The young Kiwi is making his debut at the biggest stage in the country. Unknown quantity but loaded with talent. Could be the surprise of the weekend.

Kiara Zabetakis (#121, KRT Motorsport)

The only female driver in the field, Kiara is making waves in the Pro Am class. She’s aggressive, calculated, and showing strong improvement every round. While a win may be out of reach, don’t be shocked if she pulls off some big overtakes and a top 10 in class.

TFH Racing’s Seven-Car Army

You can’t ignore the weight that TFH Racing brings to this round. With seven cars entered, the team holds a quarter of the entire field — giving them unparalleled control over strategy, data, and track presence.

Drivers like:

• Todd Hazelwood (#1)
  
• Diesel Thomas (#18)
  
• Ben Gomersall (#35)
  
• Jack Smith (#111)
  
• Josh Thomas (#69)
  
• Des Collier (#63)
  
• Mark Bailey (#12)
  

… all fall under the TFH banner, meaning they can work together in practice, qualify in packs, and make life difficult for rivals on race day.

This multi-car power structure is no accident — it’s domination by design.

Final Prediction

Winner: Todd Hazelwood (#1, TFH Racing)
2nd: James Golding (#31, CTE GRM)
3rd: Nash Morris (#67, Norwell Motorplex)

Hazelwood’s mix of experience, speed, and support makes him the standout. But Bathurst loves chaos — and if rain hits or a safety car bunches the field late, it’s anyone’s race.

When to Watch

• Friday: Practice – 12:15pm AEST
  
• Saturday: Qualifying – 10:20am AEST | Race 1 – 2:05pm AEST
  
• Sunday: Race 2 – 9:55am AEST
  

This is set to be the most thrilling Trans Am round of the year. So settle in, get comfortable, and watch the Mountain work its magic.

Let’s Talk Motorsport will be covering all the action — stay tuned for post-race results, driver interviews, and social media coverage across the weekend.