35 Muscle Cars, Two Nations, One Challenge How it all works
The Mountain is hosting more than iconic Supercars this weekend—it’s also the opening stanza of a two‑round Trans‑Tasman Challenge between Australia and New Zealand in the DUGGAN FAMILY HOTELS TOURING CAR MASTERS. With 35 cars on one thundering grid—20 from Australia and 15 from New Zealand—Bathurst is where bragging rights begin, and Sandown will decide them.
What is the Trans‑Tasman Challenge?
In 2025, the Trans‑Tasman Challenge is being contested across two back‑to‑back TCM events in Australia, which also double as the first two rounds of the New Zealand season:
- TCM Australia Round 5 – Bathurst 1000 (DUGGAN FAMILY HOTELS TOURING CAR MASTERS): Runs in tandem with TCM NZ 2025/26 Round 1.
- TCM Australia Round 6 – Sandown Enduro: Runs in tandem with TCM NZ 2025/26 Round 2.
Both nations bring their best. All 35 cars share the same track at the same time, but the results are scored separately within each nation’s entry list. That keeps the contest fair, the grids large, and the spectacle pure retro muscle.
A Shoutout to the Kiwi Contingent
To our New Zealand crews— first and foremost – massive thanks for making the journey and shipping your cars across the ditch to take part. Your commitment is a big reason the DUGGAN FAMILY HOTELS TOURING CAR MASTERS continues to deliver the sound, style, and spirit fans love. Haere mai and welcome to The Mountain.
How the Points Work
All cars race together. Scoring, however, happens independently for Australian entrants and New Zealand entrants. Here’s what that means:
- One grid, two scoreboards. Every race result feeds two parallel points tallies—one for the Australian competitors, one for the New Zealand competitors.
- Standard TCM Australia points system applies. The established DUGGAN FAMILY HOTELS TOURING CAR MASTERS points method is used to allocate points from each race. No special multipliers or alternate rules are introduced for this challenge.
- Two‑round total decides it. After Bathurst and Sandown are complete, the competitor with the most points within their nation’s tally is declared the Trans‑Tasman Challenge winner for that nation’s field.
Why score separately?
In short: cost and parity. Aligning two national series to identical technical regulations is expensive. New Zealand’s rules are generally more relaxed, which can lead to higher‑performance cars on their side. By scoring each nation separately—while still sharing the racetrack—we preserve big grids, keep budgets sensible, and stay true to the TOURING CAR MASTERS mantra that the cars are the stars.
Who’s Competing at Bathurst
Australian Entrants
| NO | Team | DRIVER |
| 1 | AMA Collisions | Adam Garwood |
| 3 | Western General Bodyworks | Danny Buzadzic |
| 6 | Multispares Racing | Ryan Hansford |
| 09 | Jesus Racing | Andrew Fisher |
| 12 | Depulo Wheel Reconditioners Gold Coast | Peter Burnitt |
| 18 | Pearcedale Plant Hire P/L | David Hender |
| 24 | Mona Vale Smash Repairs | Scott Fleming |
| 28 | Prolube Lubricants | Jamie Tilley |
| 29 | Heywoods Sheppartoon Motor Panel | Martin Riseley |
| 33 | Hancock Racing | Steven Johnson |
| 46 | Pierce Plumbing / Pro wash Car Wash | Leo Tobin |
| 58 | Duggan Family Hotels | Mark Duggan |
| 60 | Tilley Motorsport Spares / Miller Electrical | Cam Tilley |
| 65 | Cannon Trailers | Rod Cannon |
| 71 | Action Motor Industries | Marcus Zukanovic |
| 78 | Team Bullfrog | Jeremy Hassell |
| 85 | Whiteline Transport (Aust) P/L & Duggan Family Hotels | Scott Cameron |
| 88 | TIFS Third Party Logistics | Tony Karanfilovski |
| 95 | Whiteline Transport (Aust) P/L & CR International Adelaide Control Eng Cleveland Freightlines. | Joel Heinrich |
New Zealand Entrants
| NO | Team | DRIVER |
| 11 | JA Russell Ltd / Moubntshop / Thorn / Metalco / Liu Gong / Dayle ITM / Moselles / iSignit | Angus Fogg |
| 16 | Sandra Eden | |
| 36 | Janine Wallace & Chris Gray | Janine Wallace |
| 51 | Piggy Backers Rentals / Carboglass | Gavin McLaughlin |
| 56 | Northwest Auto Electrical / Haymans Gin | Rod Hayman |
| 81 | Akatrax Bike Park | Hamish Frew |
| 70 | Mag & Turbo Warehouse / Universal Signs / CWR Motorsport / Bromlwey Automotive & | Rob Lewis |
| 101 | Performance / Rob Lewis Motor Company | Tony Quin |
| 117 | Dannevirk Honda / Cutttys Livestock / For Homes (NZ) Ltd | Greg Cuttance |
| 127 | CHEMZ / Napa Auto Parts / hymech Whanganui / Tartek Ltd | Tristan Teki |
| 129 | Paul Smith Earthmoving | Bruce Tinnelly |
| 138 | Total transport Limited / Repco Wanganui / Penrite Oils / Rivers Speed & Spares Ltd | Grant Rivers |
| 143 | Wasn’t Me Racing | Tony Galbraith |
| 151 | Tigercat / Cooke Howlison / AB Equipment / Elf Oil / RD Petroleum / AC Delco / Connies Autoshop / Mag & Turbo / South City Panel & Paint / Chevrolet Racing / Build Smart | Mike Wallace |
| 477 | Greg Donaldson Contracting Ltd / Directional Drilling Limited / Valvoline | Greg Donaldson |
Wrap Up
All races from the DUGGAN FAMILY HOTELS TOURING CAR MASTERS at Bathurst will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo, giving fans across both sides of the Tasman the chance to witness the thunder of classic touring cars around Mount Panorama.
To stay up to date with race results, behind-the-scenes stories, and upcoming events, subscribe to our Facebook page and join the growing community keeping Australian touring car heritage alive.