MARCOS Ambrose oozes excitement at the mention of Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Repco Bathurst 1000 wildcard, which will bring the Tasmanian back to the Supercars pitlane for the first time in 11 years.

A two-time champion, Ambrose has generally kept his distance from the main game since making his final few starts behind the wheel as a DJR Team Penske co-driver in the 2015 enduros.

The 49-year-old has floated around the support category paddock in more recent times via Trans Am, where his Marcos Ambrose Motorsport squad officially struck an alliance with GRM for the 2026 season.

But come October, he’ll be back for a shot at the Great Race as GRM makes a welcome return fielding a Camaro for Nathan Herne and James Moffat.

“I’m really happy to be part of it. I’m just there as a cheerleader basically, just hanging out with Barry (Rogers) and just celebrating the day for what it’s going to be,” Ambrose told V8 Sleuth.

“It’s just great to see GRM back in the Bathurst 1000.”

He of course is understating his role in the program, having been named as Car #34’s crew chief.

“The team at GRM is incredible… wherever they want me to go, I’ll help out where I can,” he continued.

“But the team that’s already in place there and the crew that work at GRM full-time, they’re amazing people and they’ve got it in hand.”

Speaking to his relationship with GRM, Ambrose added: “It’s more than a friendship, it’s more than a partnership, it’s something very special that we have got going on. I’m just really proud to be part of the GRM crew.”

Pic: Mark Walker

His former Stone Brothers Racing teammate Russell Ingall will also be lending a hand.

“Russell and I are good mates and we have been for years,” said Ambrose.

“He has got a strong connection with Nathan, and Nathan is a great driver and a great person. We’re just all there to help.”

Asked about returning to the Supercars scene after all these years, Ambrose again was modest.

“Let’s not get carried away, I’m just there as a cheerleader. I really am,” he said.

“I’m just there to celebrate with them, to celebrate Garry, give Nathan his shot, to keep James up in lights, and to get GRM back to the Bathurst 1000.”

Ambrose meanwhile is reported to have stepped back from his role with the AASA as its national competition and commercial director, following a period where he ushered in a number of revolutionary changes.