WAU Mustangs to race stunning separate artworks

Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat will carry separate artworks on their Walkinshaw Andretti United Fords at this weekend’s betr Darwin Triple Crown.

This weekend’s event doubles as Supercars’ official Indigenous Round.

Mostert and Percat will carry works by Kamilaroi artist Rhonda Sampson.

Sampson, who lives on Dharawal country in South Western Sydney, created ‘Connected Communities’ and ‘Under the Stars.

The first artwork was commissioned by Optus, the title sponsor of Mostert’s car, to reflect its commitment to reconciliation and its commitment to create a connected future for all Australians.

The Optus work highlights the company's four pillars of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.

It also highlights the company's five values of customer focus, challenger spirit, teamwork, integrity, and personal excellence.

These are also in the artwork by five motifs, highlighting the importance of accountability, respect and reciprocity as Optus’ progresses its reconciliation journey.

'Under the Stars’ — on Percat’s Ford — is a visual representation of a commitment to and an ongoing journey towards reconciliation by NTI.

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

NTI is the parent company of Truck Assist, which backs both Matt Stone Racing Camaros.

NTI has hollowed out its logo to ensure the key themes of the ‘Under The Stars’ artwork are viewed by all on Percat’s car.

Additionally, WAU staff will wear a special Indigenous Round polo that features both designs, and will be for sale in the team merchandise area and online.

Proceeds for those sales will be donated to the Clontarf Foundation.

A collaboration between WAU partners Spicers Paper and Signzone has seen both cars wrapped with 3M Envision Print Wrap Film, which is a non-PVC, phthalate-free film, and is made from bio-based materials.

“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,” Sampson said.

"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 honoured.

"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."

WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart said: “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, NTI Head of Marketing, said: "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, Optus Managing Director of Marketing and Revenue, said: “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.”'

Tickets for this weekend's event are on sale now.