$8 MILLION PAGANI TO STAR IN NEW ADELAIDE GRAND FINAL SUPPORT CLASS

A selection of ultra-expensive track-focused hypercars will hit the track during the BP Adelaide Grand Final.

The Pagani at the launch of the Adelaide Grand Final event. Image: Supplied

Organisers have added an additional category to the on-track program titled GT1 Race Club presented by GG Classic Cars.

It was teased during Wednesday night’s event launch through the unveiling of an $8 million Pagani Huayra R Evo Roadster.

High-end exotica from manufacturers including Bugatti and Ferrari are also said to be part of the program.

GT1 Race Club is backed by international GT racing promoter the SRO Motorsports Group.

Adelaide is yet to confirm details on the format, although is promoting it as a “race feature” and a “competitive event”.

The event schedule released last month included six slots across the four days for a ‘feature challenge’.

Event director Shaun Bennetts trumpeted the addition at the launch event.

“Adelaide has always been a place where special racing cars belong,” he said.

“From the Formula 1 era through to Supercars, GT racing and international demonstrations, this circuit has hosted some of the most significant competition cars ever brought to Australia.

“In 2026 we will continue that tradition with the GT1 Race Club presented by GG Classic Cars.

“The GT1 Race Club will bring together an exceptional collection of track focused hypercars from leading manufacturers and specialist race car constructors.”

Details of eligibility, entries and participating cars and drivers are yet to be confirmed.

The Wednesday night launch also featured the premiere of a new commercial for the November 26-29 event featuring Hollywood star Eric Bana.

- Stefan Bartholomaeus

🇮🇹 9 ITALIANS WHO TRANSFORMED THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD:

1. Enzo Ferrari (Ferrari)

Started as a racing driver, then founded Scuderia Ferrari to compete with Alfa Romeo. In 1947, he launched Ferrari—a brand now inseparable from Formula 1, luxury, and Italian passion.

2. Ferruccio Lamborghini (Lamborghini)

Began with tractors, but after a clash with Enzo Ferrari, he created Lamborghini in the ’60s. Models like the Miura and Countach redefined style and performance.

3. Gianni Agnelli (FIAT)

Though not the founder, Agnelli was FIAT’s most powerful leader. Under his guidance, FIAT became Italy’s largest automotive group, owning brands like Ferrari, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and Abarth.

4. Ettore Bugatti (Bugatti)

Italian-born creator of Bugatti—despite its French roots. His cars were rolling masterpieces. Today, Bugatti lives on under the Volkswagen Group with icons like the Veyron and Chiron.

5. Battista “Pinin” Farina (Pininfarina)

Founder of the legendary design house Pininfarina. He didn’t build cars himself but shaped the look of countless Ferraris, Maseratis, and more—leaving a huge mark on Italian car design.

6. Nicola Romeo (Alfa Romeo)

An engineer who took over ALFA in 1915 and transformed it into Alfa Romeo. The brand became a motorsport legend—and it’s where Enzo Ferrari got his start.

7. Horacio Pagani (Pagani)

Argentinian-born with Italian roots. After working at Lamborghini, he founded Pagani Automobili—creating modern art on wheels with the Zonda and Huayra, pushing carbon fiber to new heights.

8. Vincenzo Lancia (Lancia)

Founded Lancia and pioneered automotive innovation. The brand introduced key technical firsts and went on to dominate the rally scene for years.

9. Carlo Abarth (Abarth)

Built a name on compact cars with big performance. Abarth created tuning kits and race-ready machines—today it stands as Fiat’s performance division.