DJR reveals Indigenous livery for Darwin, Townsville

The Shell V-Power Racing Team has released its Indigenous Round livery, with the special design a nod to First Nations culture.

Both Dick Johnson Racing Ford Mustangs will carry identical liveries at this weekend’s Indigenous Round, the betr Darwin Triple Crown.

The Fords of Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale will carry artwork Zoe Raymond in conjunction with Supply Aus Holdings.

Raymond's work was inspired by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 'For Our Elders’, which was also reflected in Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation's artwork on Bryce Fullwood's Brad Jones Racing Camaro.

Perth-born, Queensland-raised Raymond is a Yindjibarndi/Pinikura woman, who lives and works on Turrbal/Jagera country in Brisbane.

Raymond, a contemporary Aboriginal artist, completed a work which encompasses the legacy and history of DJR and reflects upon all past and present crew, partners, families and fans.

There are four main elements of the artwork — longlines, meeting places, central meeting place and legacy.

The songlines represent the passing of knowledge and processes at DJR, from Johnson himself, to all the people who have taught and mentored DJR crew members throughout the team’s long history.

The meeting places cite the many different race events the team has attended, as well as milestone moments in team's history.

The central meeting place represents DJR’s Stapylton workshop as the centre point of gathering for its crew, their families, the team's fans, and its partners.

The two Shell V-Power Fords will also carry the livery at next month’s NTI Townsville 500.

"This is such a rare and special opportunity, not many people can say they have their design on a V8 Supercar, so to be able to do this is so cool and unique,” Raymond said.

"I’m really proud to see how it’s all come together. I love doing what I do because a big part of it for me is being able to inspire the next generation.

"It’s taken me many years to realise I can make something of my art and to be able to pass down inspiration, like this, to the next up-and-coming artist – I hope they see it and think, ‘Wow, I can do this too’.

“Celebrating Indigenous culture in any capacity is really important, having an Indigenous Round in sport is a great way for us to share our knowledge and culture through a platform that all Australians love.

"Sometimes there are misconceptions about Indigenous people and I hope that this helps to bring up conversation and action around reconciliation so that we can all work towards that together."

David Noble, DJR CEO, said: "We’re extremely proud to release our 2023 Indigenous Livery.

"For us as a team, honouring and paying our respects to our First Nations people and their communities throughout Australia is very important.

"We are grateful to have worked with Zoe in commissioning this piece, allowing her to share our story through her art.

"The meaning behind this artwork symbolises many of the key elements of our team – the legacy that has gone before us, and of course, our current crew who work exceptionally hard at everything they do.

"I’d also like to make a special mention and thank our naming rights partner Shell V-Power and our whole partner group for their support in bringing this incredible livery to life."

Jevan Bouzo, Viva Energy Australia Convenience and Mobility CEO, added: "Viva Energy Australia is proud to collaborate with Dick Johnson Racing and local artist, Zoe Raymond, on this extraordinary livery design.

"This artwork pays homage to NAIDOC Week’s theming and celebrates the profound contributions of our elders and the importance of their ongoing storytelling, shaping and enriching future generations.

"We can’t wait to see it on track in Darwin and Townsville.”

Cars will hit the track at Hidden Valley Raceway on Friday. Tickets for the event are on sale now.