The start of the 2026 Bathurst 1000. Image: Getty Images
This year’s Bathurst 1000 drew a national audience of 1.45 million on race day, marking a downturn from last year’s 1.54 million.
However, the days leading up to the Great Race saw slight increases in 2026 compared with 2025.
This year’s Top 10 Shootout was viewed by 785,000 (vs 775,000 in 2025) while qualifying attracted 264,000 viewers (vs 229,000 in 2025).
Seven reported a record viewership for streaming service 7plus Sport, with 241,000 watching online. That represented a 15 percent increase on 2025 of 211,000.
Seven reported a total audience of 5.5 million across its three days of coverage on Seven and 7plus Sport, down from the 5.9 million reported last year.
Notably, this year’s race was the fastest in Bathurst 1000 history at five hours and 54 minutes – beginning at 11:34am and finishing at 5:28pm.
Compare that with last year’s race, which ran deep into the 6pm news window after starting at 11:49am, running for six hours and 52 minutes and finishing at 6:41pm.
“It’s hard to imagine a better finish to the Bathurst 1000 than last year, but yesterday may have just topped it,” Seven head of motorsport Angela Rampal said.
“Congratulations to Brodie Kostecki, Todd Hazelwood and the entire Dick Johnson Racing team on a victory that will go down in the history books.
“Australians love their motorsport, and once again they turned to Seven for one of the biggest days on the sporting calendar.
“The Bathurst 1000 never fails to deliver, and this year was another reminder of why it holds such a special place with fans.
“We’re looking forward to keeping the momentum going at the Gold Coast 500 on Saturday, 24 October, live and free on Seven and 7plus.”
Seven’s coverage featured Mel McLaughlin, Matt White, Mark Beretta, Molly Taylor, Molly Freedman and Aaron Noonan.
Seven director of sales, television and streaming Katie Finney hailed the thrilling finish.
“The Bathurst 1000 remains one of the absolute pinnacles of Australian sport, and this year’s broadcast reinforced its incredible power to captivate the nation,” said Finney.
“The Great Race reached a massive national audience across both broadcast and digital, proving yet again why it is an essential destination for brands looking to make a major impact.
“Seven’s motorsport coverage once again proved that free, live sport is where brands can connect with audiences and major cultural moments at scale, with 7plus Sport delivering a phenomenal streaming performance for motorsport fans across the country.”
Seven will have coverage of the Gold Coast 500 on October 24-25 and the Adelaide Grand Final on November 28-29.
Bathurst 1000 on Seven in 2026:
Day Three Race: National reach 3.97 million, national audience 1.45 million.
Day Three Supports/Warm Up: National reach 2.23 million, national audience 521,000.
Day Two Supports: National reach 1.45 million, national audience 521,000.
Day Two Top 10 Shootout: National reach 1.53 million, national audience 785,000.
Day One Qualifying/Supports: National reach 1.09 million, national audience 264,000.
Day Two Practice: National reach 523,000, national audience 203,000.
Bathurst 1000 on Seven in 2025:
Day Three Race: National reach 4.32 million, national audience 1.54 million.
Day Three Supports/Warm Up: National reach 2.29 million, national audience 514,000.
Day Two Supports: National reach 1.5 million, national audience 494,000.
Day Two Top 10 Shootout: National reach 1.52 million, national audience 775,000.
Day One Qualifying/Supports: National reach 1.08 million, national audience 229,000.
Day Two Practice: National reach 1.08 million, national audience 338,000.