The Production Car race needs 64 starters to eclipse the unofficial highest entry for an endurance event at Mount Panorama, and has a decent chance of doing so with 66 cars officially entered for this year’s race.

The number could still grow, too, with a number of entries received but not yet paid for. The final cutoff for payment is this Friday.

Still, should all 66 cars take the start it will be the biggest field ever at Mount Panorama. The record currently stands at 63, first set for the 1969 Hardie Ferodo 500, then matched for the 1978 Hardie Ferodo 1000 and the 1984 James Hardie 1000.

In 1971 70 cars attempted to qualify for the Hardie Ferodo 500, but only 61 made the start. In 1970 and 1976 there were 67 cars entered for Bathurst, but only 60 were official starters.

“Whilst we would be delighted to set a record grid for an endurance race at Mount Panorama, the massive growth of the field is the most pleasing aspect,” Event Director James O’Brien said.

“The reaction from Production Car competitors has been outstanding – they have quickly embraced this chance to compete for their own Bathurst victory.”

The 66 cars entered for the 2017 six-hour race are spread over seven classes, with 22 cars in Class A1 (Extreme Performance/Forced Induction).

Overall there will be 17 brands represented by more than 30 different models, with BMW, Mitsubishi, Audi, Ford, Subaru, Mercedes-AMG, Holden, Renault, Alfa-Romeo, Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Honda, Nissan, Eunos, MINI and Hyundai set to all be on the grid.

2017 Bathurst 6 Hour Entry List