bp Ultimate Safety Car unveil 2023 Indigenous livery

The bp Ultimate Safety Car will debut a stunning livery by Indigenous artist Les ‘Lipwurrunga’ Huddleston at this week’s betr Darwin Triple Crown.

bp, the official fuel supplier of the Repco Supercars Championship has unveiled the striking new-look Ford Ranger Raptor ahead of the Supercars’ Indigenous Round at Hidden Valley Raceway.

The livery has been designed by internationally acclaimed artist Les ‘Lipwurrunga’ Huddleston, of the Roper River region of Arnhem Land and a descendant of the Ngundi people.

The painting features fish and a billabong which symbolises an important Top End life source.

Crocodiles, fish, turtles, birds, and all life that revolve around the billabong survive because of the fish. Even Aboriginal people utilise the billabong to hunt for fish to survive off the land.

A central circle represents the special place where people meet, and Huddleston’s personal lines depict the energy and power from the vehicles and racetrack.

bp was proud to be celebrating Huddleston’s work by showcasing it in this vehicle at the event.

“It’s an honour to carry Les’ artwork once again on the bp Safety Car. bp has a long and proud history of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and businesses.

"Through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) we’re taking steps to advance reconciliation within our organisation and the communities in which we operate” said bp’s Tanya Ghosn, Vice President Fleet & Dealer ANZ.

In one of many special elements to celebrate First Nations People, the bp Ultimate Safety Car was first seen in its new colours while leading Night Transporter Convoy on Wednesday June 14.

The livery will remain on the bp-backed Ford Ranger Raptor for the NTI Townsville 500 to celebrate NAIDOC week beginning on Sunday July 2.

All 26 Supercars on the grid for the betr Darwin Triple Crown have incorporated designs by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists as part of the annual Supercars’ Indigenous Round.