Specially-created artwork for Percat MSR Camaro

Matt Stone Racing has revealed its suite of Darwin liveries, unveiling Nick Percat’s Indigenous Round look ahead of the team's return to its happy Hidden Valley hunting ground.

Percat’s #10 Bendix Chevrolet Camaro will carry a design inspired by a specially-created artwork for Bendix by Wadawurrung country artist Billy-Jay O’Toole.

Wadawurrung man O’Toole also completed the artwork that adorns Cameron Hill’s new-look Dabble Camaro, which was revealed earlier on Monday.

The livery on the #10 Chevrolet highlights Bendix’s commitment to honouring First Nations culture, with meeting places on the painting shown as a sign of journeying, representing the different locations Bendix gets to see through Supercars racing.

Eucalyptus leaves are embedded into the artwork to showcase Bendix’s passage on country, to welcome and cleanse all while they are on country.

Adjacent to the front wheels on each side of the car are two different birds, which are important in the Wadawurrung Country creation story.

Pawan, the magpie, sang to the first sunrise on Wadawurrung Country, while Waa, the crow, is the protector of Wadawurrung Country.

“Stoked to finally be able to show everyone our Bendix Indigenous livery for Darwin,” said Percat, whose team won its first race in Darwin last year, and added a second at the Grand Prix in March.

"It’s always an exciting round with all the special liveries celebrating First Nations culture, and the team at Bendix and MSR have done a fantastic job with Car #10.

"It’s also a round with some good history after last year’s win for MSR and my podium in 2017, so hopefully we can walk away with some Didgeridoos this year."

O’Toole added: “I’m thrilled to have partnered with Bendix to develop this unique artwork that celebrates Bendix’s relationship with Wadawurrung Country.

"The story has strong local elements and also highlights Bendix’s commitment to honouring First Nations culture. I can’t wait to see the artwork on the Bendix Racing Camaro on track in Darwin.”

Percat and Hill are sixth and 18th, and MSR sixth in teams' heading to the betr Darwin Triple Crown on June 14-16. Tickets for the event are on sale now. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.

#10 Bendix Chevrolet Camaro artwork explained

Artist: Billy-Jay O’Toole

At the bottom of the artwork I’ve embedded a symbolism of the many hills and mountains in the region which are significant places and landmarks on Wadawurrung Country. Above that there’s a line of cross hatching, a traditional marking honouring that we are on Wadawurrung Country.

Then there’s a reference to the many waterways which were resources for Wadawurrung people for thousands of generations.

Eucalyptus leaves are embedded into the artwork to showcase Bendix’s passage on country, to welcome and cleanse all while they are on country.

The four birds shown in the painting also hold significance. Bunjil the wedged tail eagle was the creator of Wadawurrung Country 60,000 years ago – using his big powerful wings he created and carved the land to what it is today.

Waa, the crow is the protector of Wadawurrung Country and is emotive to Bunjil.

Kunawarra the black swan is present in the artwork, as one of the largest black swan populations is on Wadawurrung Country at Lake Wendouree.

Pawan the magpie sang to the first sunrise on Wadawurrung Country, and is part of our creation story, so was important to include.

Meeting places on the painting are shown as a sign of journeying, representing the different countries Bendix gets to see through Supercars racing.

And the handprints signify Bendix employees and stakeholders’ commitment to honouring and celebrating First Nation’s culture by applying this artwork to its Supercar for the upcoming Indigenous Round.