Walkinshaw Andretti United Reveal Indigenous Round Liveries

Walkinshaw Andretti United has revealed both Indigenous Round liveries the team will run at the Darwin Triple Crown from June 16 -18, designed by Rhonda Sampson. The event will take place on Larrakia country.

Rhonda Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi woman who lives on Dharawal country in South Western Sydney. Art is central to Rhonda’s cultural identity, and she is passionate about sharing this with all people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous so they can come together on the journey of understanding Aboriginal culture, stories, and identity.

The Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT No. 2 and Mobil 1 Optus Racing Ford Mustang GT No. 25 will feature separate artworks across the event. 

The artwork on Car 25, ‘Connected Communities’, was commissioned by Optus to reflect their commitment to reconciliation and their commitment to create a better, more connected future for all Australians.

At the centre of the livery design is Optus, surrounded by employees from across the nation who are committed to the journey of reconciliation and carrying out their duties in support of Optus’ vision to be Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships. The four pillars of their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance are featured in support of and to guide Optus’ journey of reconciliation which aims to increase, inspire and empower ‘Connected Communities’. 

The five Optus values of customer focus, challenger spirit, teamwork, integrity, and personal excellence are also depicted in the artwork by five motifs – highlighting the importance of accountability, respect and reciprocity as Optus’ progresses its reconciliation journey. 

The artwork on Car 2, ‘Under the Stars,’ is a visual representation of a commitment to and an ongoing journey towards reconciliation by NTI. 

At the centre of the design is the NTI team members who are committed to making a real difference in the community and strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples across the country. 

Located in the four corners of the artwork are the four pillars of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): Respect, Relationships. Opportunities and Governance. The stars, which are scattered throughout the piece, represent the night sky and Southern Cross and signify people, customers and partners across Australia working together for a safer and more sustainable future. 

For Indigenous Round, NTI has hollowed out their logo to ensure the key themes of the ‘Under The Stars’ artwork is seen by all. 

Walkinshaw Andretti United team members will wear a special Indigenous Round polo that features both designs, which will also be for sale in the team merchandise area and online. Proceeds for those sales will be donated to the Clontarf Foundation, a fantastic organisation that so many of our partners, such as Optus, Ampol, Coates and Hastings Deering, work closely with. 

Importantly, through a collaboration between partners Spicers Paper and Signzone, both cars have been wrapped with 3M Envision Print Wrap Film, which is a non-PVC, phthalate-free film, and is made from biobased materials. 

Both cars will open the Darwin Triple Crown this Friday, June 16, at Hidden Valley Raceway for Practice 1 and 2. 

Rhonda Sampson - Artist

“It’s great to see the artworks I created for both Optus and NTI on the Walkinshaw Andretti United cars for Indigenous Round, Mustangs are actually my favourite car. 

Both artworks were created separately for Optus and NTI and each with their own storyline. To have Walkinshaw Andretti United showcase them for such an important round on Larrakia country is amazing and I’m truly honored. 

A special thank you to the KARI Foundation, NTI, Optus, Walkinshaw Andretti United and everyone that works behind the scenes. I can’t wait to see them in action this weekend and I will be cheering you on from Sydney”. 

Bruce Stewart – Team Principal, Walkinshaw Andretti United

“It is fantastic to celebrate the contribution of our Indigenous community across our team this weekend. It is a special weekend on our calendar, and one we really look forward to. 

“Our thanks go to Optus and NTI who have kindly helped with both our liveries through their artworks, which represent so much, but also a big thank you to our entire partnership group who have fully endorsed and supported the program from the beginning. 

“We can’t wait to wear our special Indigenous Round polos with pride this weekend, of course with proceeds going to the Clontarf Foundation, who a number of our partners work closely with. Having their students at the track this weekend is an awesome thing to be a part of.” 

Jason Kibsgaard – Head of Marketing, NTI

“We’re excited to celebrate First Nations people and culture over the weekend of racing in Darwin. It’s always a round that has a unique capacity to unite people from all across Australia. 

“’Under the Stars’ holds a lot of meaning for all of NTI’s people across Australia, and I love how obviously the artwork has been used as the feature of the car. 

“The WAU Team have done fantastic job of respecting the story and meaning of Rhonda’s artwork when incorporating it onto what we think is the best looking car on the track.” 

Matt Williams – Managing Director of Marketing and Revenue, Optus

“We are really excited about bringing together our valued partner in Walkinshaw Andretti United and Kamilaroi artist, Rhonda Sampson, who designed our Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, titled 'Connected Communities'. 

Celebrating the valued contribution of our Indigenous community is extremely important to us at Optus, and we recognise the importance of listening, learning and reflecting to build a lasting relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We can't wait to see the livery on the track at Hidden Valley.” 

About Rhonda Sampson

Rhonda Sampson is a proud Kamilaroi woman who specializes in contemporary Aboriginal artwork. Rhonda has a passion for digital storytelling and is the owner of RS Creative Solutions based in Sydney’s South West. Rhonda specialises in contemporary digital Aboriginal art. From a young age Rhonda was highly influenced by artists such as Albert Namatjira, Sally Morgan and Bronwyn Bancroft as well as her two idols Cathy Freeman and Eddie Mabo. She hopes that her art might also inspire the next generation of Indigenous artists to be proud of their culture.