Walkinshaw Andretti United has uncovered both Indigenous Round liveries for Car 2 and Car 25 set to run at the Darwin Triple Crown from 20-22 June. The Indigenous artwork has been designed by Monica Taylor who is a Badimia Yamatji woman from Mount Magnet, the edge of the Western Dessert in Western Australia.
The Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing Ford Mustang No. 2 and the Mobil 1 Optus Racing Ford Mustang No. 25 will showcase the same design, with variations in colour across the weekend.
The artwork titled “The Gwiyarl” highlights Walkinshaw Andretti United’s core values; family, trust and loyalty to each other, striving for success at the pinnacle of Australian Motorsport.
At the heart of the design is the Australian Goanna which holds incredible importance for many Indigenous Australians. Known for their speed, the Goanna symbolises the fast Walkinshaw Andretti United Supercars.
The artwork tells the story of the different tribes tracking the Goanna, following its footprints in the sand to their burrows, where the animal would be dug out, cooked on the coal and shared with their family members. Highlighting the importance of family and teamwork, much like the collaboration required by each WAU team member in the pursuit of race wins and championships. Monica was lucky enough to have witnessed this with her grandmother when she was a young girl.
Both cars will hit the track with their updated liveries for the Indigenous round at the Darwin Triple Crown this Friday 20th June, at Hidden Valley Raceway for Practice 1.
Monica Taylor: Artist
“Being asked to create this artwork for the Walkinshaw family was a real honour, not just for myself and my artwork but for my whole family.
“I have 16 grandchildren and for them to be able to see their Nanna’s artwork racing around the country gives them inspiration and shows them that they can achieve anything they put their mind to.
“Showcasing Indigenous art alongside cultural knowledge through the Indigenous round for the V8s shows a place of acceptance for all of us and I am proud to of designed artwork for such a great company like Walkinshaw Andretti United who’s values align with mine around family, acceptance and knowledge sharing.”
Bruce Stewart - CEO, Walkinshaw Andretti United
“It’s great to welcome Monica Taylor to the WAU family, she has done an incredible job creating a masterpiece that encompasses our team’s core values; trust, loyalty, family and striving for success.
“A massive thank you to Mobil 1, Truck Assist and Optus for their collaboration during this process, we wouldn’t be able to bring this artwork to life without their help as well as all of partners who have been supportive throughout.
“The artwork looks incredible in person, and I can’t wait to see it when it is out on track, let’s go racing!”
Brad Phillips - General Manager, Business to Business, Ampol
"Ampol is proud to support Walkinshaw Andretti United as part of this year's Indigenous Round. One of many pleasing aspects to our lubricants marketing alliance with ExxonMobil is bringing the Mobil 1™ legacy to life on track.
“The livery is a striking representation of culture, teamwork and shared values – principles that strongly align with both WAU and our own commitment to excellence."
Jason Kibsgaard - Head of Marketing, NTI
“Every year we look forward to the amazing showcase of indigenous artistic talent on the grid in Darwin. We are proud to be in a partnership that uses its platform to acknowledge and celebrate our First Nations people.
“We thank Monica Taylor for sharing her story through her artwork. She has done an incredible job capturing WAU’s shared values that align so closely to who we are and what we do at Truck Assist.
“The Goannas are sure to take on their meaning at speed on track. We look forward to seeing the artwork in action.”